What you will study
This module is based on reading and discussing original empirical research. All materials are delivered online and interactions take place via online forums. This makes the module accessible from anywhere in the world and gives you the added bonus of being part of a lively international community of students able to learn from one another’s experiences in different cultural contexts.
It is suitable for lecturers, teachers, trainers, developers and other professionals working in the education sector, including schools, universities and colleges. It is appropriate as a standalone professional development course. It can contribute to the MA in Online and Distance Education (F10) and the Masters in Education (F01). It can also be useful as a stepping-stone prior to applying to undertake a doctorate (PhD or EdD) in education.
The module looks both at how new educational technologies are researched and at how technology is changing the way educational research is conducted. The list of readings chosen for discussion is updated each year, to keep at the cutting edge of technology-rich research – so it is not possible to give a definitive syllabus until close to the start of the module. However, there are five themes that run through the discussions, attending to ESRC’s postgraduate training guidelines:
- epistemological issues, including objectivity and validity
- theoretical frameworks
- the changing nature of research
- ethics and unintended consequences
- relationships between research, policy and practice.
The studies considered for inclusion in the module would typically use a variety of research designs to look at the educational potential of technological phenomena, such as eportfolios, social bookmarking, wikis, Second Life, mobile devices, podcasting, RFID tags, gaming consoles or Lego Mindstorms. They might use technology-enhanced research techniques such as interviews, logs, surveys, observation, eye tracking, assessments or content analysis. You will also consider bibliographic tools such as ISI Web of Knowledge and EndNote, and the role of quantitative and qualitative analysis tools such as NVivo, Atlas.ti, SPSS, and Interact.
You will learn
The learning outcomes for this module are available here.
Vocational relevance
This module offers those working in the education sector an opportunity to advance their professional knowledge and skills to the next level, by introducing the world of research. It would therefore be particularly valuable if you are taking on responsibility for new initiatives or seeking to demonstrate advancement potential. The module would also be suitable if you are considering the possibility of an EdD or a PhD, since it provides an introduction to the postgraduate research skills that such higher degrees require, good evidence of ability to engage with research literature and methods, and individual help with the writing of a research proposal.
The module is a core component of our MA in Online and Distance Education (F10), which you can study as separate modules and in any order - though we recommend you first read our Pathways guidance to see which might be the best route through this qualification for you.
Entry
To take this module you must have a degree or equivalent qualification. Your proficiency in the English language should be adequate for postgraduate study. We strongly recommend that you can achieve an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least seven. To assess your English Language skills in relation to your proposed studies, you can visit the IELTS website.
You must also have continual access to the internet and be confident in online communication. In addition, you should have some experience of reading and understanding academic literature. Success in a previous postgraduate education module will be deemed as evidence that this requirement has been met. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module for you, please speak to an adviser.
Outside the UK
This module is available throughout the world.
If you have a disability
In this module you are expected to use a wide range of resources and to study emerging online technology. Most of these will be delivered as web pages, PDF files and web-based tools. We have tried to avoid using inaccessible resources, but some material which is core for the module may not be easily accessible for assistive technology users.
Written transcripts are available for the audio-visual material. Some students find the amount of reading from technically different sources challenging. In many cases there will be sufficient alternative activities and material to complete assignments successfully. Where this is not the case, you will be given individual support by your tutor, in collaboration with other OU staff. Support for access to Library resources is available from the Library Helpdesk. It is your responsibility to make your particular needs known to the University.
For module which study the use of emerging online tools, you may find the services of a non-medical helper will be beneficial. Advice on this is available from an adviser.
Study materials
What's included
Internet resources, learning activities, online forums, dedicated website.
As an OU student, you can use the Open University Library website. This provides access via the internet to a wide range of online resources such as databases, full-text ejournals, reference sources, ebooks, newspapers, images and more to support your studies. You can use these to do a literature search, keep up-to-date with your subject or read around a topic. Support for developing and improving your information searching skills is available on the Library website and the Library’s Learner Helpdesk is there seven days a week to provide help and advice on finding and using information.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will guide you on many aspects of the module, who will mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. You will be taught and assessed through a combination of media, including email, online forums and the internet. Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
An extended essay takes the place of an examination.