Research+Methodology

Well, even though I am far from being able to envision what my big research picture will look like, I am starting to perhaps better understand some of the elements that are part of the design. Clearly, I plan to look at the implementation and integration of interactive whiteboards into classrooms and how IWBs should be used to maximize student learning. As already stated in previous posts, my project will be qualitative action research. Based on my readings this week, my project will also more than likely involve longitudinal research. Johnson and Christensen (2008) state, "In longitudinal research, the data are collected at more than one time point or data-collection period, and the researcher is interested in making comparisons across time (p. 374). Secondly, I think my project will be descriptive non-experimental research. Again, Johnson and Christensen (2008) state, "The primary purpose of descriptive research is to provide an accurate description or picture of the status or characteristics of a situation or phenomenon (p. 377). At this point, both of these descriptors seem appropriate for what I have in mind.....but I am not totally certain. (This was my original post in the discussion forum.) Well, based on Kim's response about the longitudinal component of my project, perhaps I should revise my plan to a more retrospective approach. Johnson and Christensen (2008) express, "In retrospective research, the researcher typically starts with the dependent variable (i.e., with an observed result or outcome) and then "moves backward in time," locating information on variables that help explain individuals' status on the dependent variable" (p. 376). Can I design surveys that would help me understand where we were and can I analyze them against where I observe we are in the implementation of IWB technology? Is this retrospective research? Reference Johnson, B., & Christensen, L. (2008). Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches (3rd ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
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