KF
Research 2005-2008
Student Information Sheet
For the specific attention of MSc students on IDLE.UOP, Semester 2 ,
2006/2007
Title of Research: Evaluation of a
knowledge building discourse.
Research Topic: A practitioner-based enquiry into the effective
implementation of knowledge building in an online postgraduate course using a
computer-supported intentional learning environment.
Investigator: Terry King, School of Computing, University of
Portsmouth
Address:
School of Computing, University of Portsmouth, Burnaby Terrace,
1-8 Burnaby Road, Portsmouth, Hants PO1 3AE
Email:
terry.king@port.ac.uk
1. Outline Aims of the Research:
1.1 Practitioner-based Enquiry
This
work in 2005-2008 is the third stage of a practitioner-based enquiry which is
investigating how a form of problem-based learning, called knowledge
building, can be effectively implemented in online collaborative
post-graduate courses. The aims of this stage are to specifically deal
with the problems identified in the research evaluation carried out in
Jan-May 2004. For more details of the findings from that research, see MA
Dissertation (King, 2004a) pdf file 366K, 89 pages.
The
aims of this study are therefore to remedy Stage 1 and 2 deficiencies in both, the content and
structure of course activities, and the quality of online moderation, to
facilitate the successful conclusion of a student collaborative efforts in
knowledge building as measured by the quality of the student discourse and
student attitudes to their own learning and teaching, both in general and
on-line.
1.2 Qualitative Research: Conversation/Discourse Analysis
Data Collection and Analysis:
A entirely separate piece of research is being proposed in 2005-2007,
which uses data from online discussion sessions to explore the nature of
online discourse to establish factors that contribute to the success of such
sessions. Some exploratory work applying Membership Categorisation Device
Analysis has been done in this area and reported at ALT-C
2004 Conference, (King 2004b). It
is proposed that a full literature review be carried out and more piloting
from data gathered in 2004/2005 during the period 2005/2006 and 2006/2007.
2. Student Participation
During the running of the MSc eLT course units in 2005-2007, mainly
during the IDLEP.UOP unit, students
carry our course activities, and explore knowledge building theory and
practice. Student participation involves:
- Contributions to an
on-line Knowledge Forum database and to a range of related discussion
forums, and online chat sessions in WebCT.
- Entries in reflective
learning journal.
Database entries and other contributions will be used as data in this
research, along with entries in evaluation forms, and students may be
asked to give interviews. Data from
online discussion sessions will include text transcripts and video capture of
the same discussions (for timing purposes relevant to conversation analysis).
Analysis of these contributions and entries from 2005-2007, using
statistical software tools and various techniques of content analysis, will
take place after the course units have been run from June 2007.
Results of the analysis will be used to inform improved practice in the
delivery of online knowledge building and tutor techniques.
3. Ethical Assurances to Students
Although you have been involved in learning on
a unit that is also a research project, there are no known risks for students taking part in this study. During the
teaching of this unit, the interest taken by the tutor in ensuring the
success of the unit was no different to that which would normally occur from
a professional teacher on any unit. And the teaching on the unit was run
without it being a noticebly active research project from the students’
perspective. No analysis of data will take place until after the unit
coursework has been submitted, marked and agreed.
Complete transparency of intention will be maintained at all times and
both the full Research Protocol for the initial enquiry, and the Addendum to
that Protocol, are posted for your perusal and comment.
While your name may appear against items in the Knowledge Forum database
and other contributions, no data will ever be presented with your name or
image on it, unless you specifically give permission. Every attempt will be
made to ensure complete anonymity of the participants at all times. Wherever
possible, entries will also be de-contextualised.
Much of the research involves the statistical processing of data arising
from the analytical analysis of database entries, which would not in any way
indentify you personally. Your involvement in the use of research data, which
may affect or reflect on you personally, is voluntary. Your participation
will not influence in any way the evaluation of your performance on this
course. Your positive consent will be required on an “Informed
Consent Form” but you may change you mind about participating in the
research enquiry and withdraw your data from the study at any time.
If you have any questions
Additional questions about this research or your rights may be directed
to:
Terry King
Using either terry.king@port.ac.uk
or the mailbox within IDLEP WebCT
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