I learned lot in this course. Before taking this course I had some idea of what went into conducting research, however some of those ideas were not entirely clear. In this course, I was introduced to Quantitative and Qualitative research and we discussed the differences and the similarities between the two. For example, in Quantitative the researchers try to explain the effects that one issue or treatment has on a particular group as well as the differences and the trends of such group. In Qualitative research, the researchers explore the meaning of certain topics and its complexity. I learned that pear reviews are needed in order for a research to be held in high regard. By exploring different kinds of research, I was able to compare my own problem with other subjects and similar subjects in the education field. People conduct research in order to better understand a problem, its rationale and ultimately find a solution for the problem. By conducting my own research I was able to better understand my own problem by comparing the problem I identified with other researcher’s findings, and arrive at a solution.
I also learned that ethics play a high role in research. Research that deals with persons that are minors require Internal Review Board approval. As a researcher you must abide by a code of ethics that ensures that the humans in your study are not harmed in any way. I did not know about this review process, and as l learned, it is very important to have because even if the researcher has good intentions, there may be unintended consequences that may cause harm to people. As it relates to educational research, I learned that the research process is arduous and thorough, and a lot of investigations, reading several research papers in order to compare and analyze statistical data to better serve my own problem, is the best way to achieve the solution to the identified problem. I also learned that there is so much information out there now that it is imperative that we read carefully and discern through the non-relevant data to find the best possible studies that may support our claims.
All this information affected my capacity to serve as an instructional technology coach or school-level technology leader in several ways. First, now I am prepared to coach teachers by providing useful information that is accurate and meaningful. The reason I am able to provide this information is because I now have the tools to conduct my own research, and I know how to separate opinion from facts based on the research data provided in the study. Second, I can clarify questions that the teachers I am coaching may have, and provide basis for the knowledge by assuring them that I have vetted the information carefully and meaningfully, and it is all because I have the knowledge provided by this course. I can assure the teachers that if I am coaching them in a particular strategy, I have conducted research and read study cases performed by other researchers who have been peer-reviewed with accurate statistical data.
Finally, I want to thank Dr. Lee for her expertise and help with this course. When I came into this course, I did not know much about research or even its purpose. All this was clarified during the synchronous sessions and communication throughout the course. I now have the tools to perform my own research, can differentiate between the different kinds of research and apply that knowledge to my Instructional Technology career.
I also learned that ethics play a high role in research. Research that deals with persons that are minors require Internal Review Board approval. As a researcher you must abide by a code of ethics that ensures that the humans in your study are not harmed in any way. I did not know about this review process, and as l learned, it is very important to have because even if the researcher has good intentions, there may be unintended consequences that may cause harm to people. As it relates to educational research, I learned that the research process is arduous and thorough, and a lot of investigations, reading several research papers in order to compare and analyze statistical data to better serve my own problem, is the best way to achieve the solution to the identified problem. I also learned that there is so much information out there now that it is imperative that we read carefully and discern through the non-relevant data to find the best possible studies that may support our claims.
All this information affected my capacity to serve as an instructional technology coach or school-level technology leader in several ways. First, now I am prepared to coach teachers by providing useful information that is accurate and meaningful. The reason I am able to provide this information is because I now have the tools to conduct my own research, and I know how to separate opinion from facts based on the research data provided in the study. Second, I can clarify questions that the teachers I am coaching may have, and provide basis for the knowledge by assuring them that I have vetted the information carefully and meaningfully, and it is all because I have the knowledge provided by this course. I can assure the teachers that if I am coaching them in a particular strategy, I have conducted research and read study cases performed by other researchers who have been peer-reviewed with accurate statistical data.
Finally, I want to thank Dr. Lee for her expertise and help with this course. When I came into this course, I did not know much about research or even its purpose. All this was clarified during the synchronous sessions and communication throughout the course. I now have the tools to perform my own research, can differentiate between the different kinds of research and apply that knowledge to my Instructional Technology career.