STANDARD 5: RESEARCH
Candidates explore, evaluate, synthesize, and apply methods of inquiry to enhance learning and improve performance.
S.5.1 THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS
Candidates demonstrate foundational knowledge of the contribution of research to the past and current theory of educational communications and technology.
Digital Media
Skills Acquired: Theoretical Foundations of Research
Artifact: Research Paper and Makerspace
Reflection
We discussed the evolution of educational theories from the beginning all the way up to the digital age. We looked at how technology’s role in education and how it has evolved. This course helped me understand the underlying biases of education and how we could make it better. I also learned how important it was to encourage learners to connect not only with one another but with people in the greater community. That is why I focused on Connected Learning.
S.5.2 METHOD
Candidates apply research methodologies to solve problems and enhance practice.
Foundations of Educational Research
Artifact: Research Proposal
Reflection
We studied the different types of research projects involving the use of technology in Education and learned how to distinguish different research methods. We also looked at validity (internal and external), reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha), variables, sampling methods, and statistical methods for calculating data. My final project was a research proposal looking at the use of Virtual Reality in Language Learning.
S.5.3 ASSESSING/EVALUATING
Candidates apply formal inquiry strategies in assessing and evaluating processes and resources for learning and performance.
Big Data & Learning Analytics
Artifact: Disability Paper
Reflection
I really enjoyed big data and learning analytics. We looked at big data for many different fields and then used SAS to analyze our own data. We studied how some universities and schools used data to inform decisions in areas such as effective courses, student abilities, instructional effectiveness, and other facets of education. My group decided to focus on analyzing the prevalence of services available to people with disabilities and how that influenced their course of study.