Chapter 3: Research Methodology

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In chapters 1 and 2, I discussed the problem of successfully implementing computer technology for literacy instruction in the classroom, the need to study the importance of making technology an integral part of literacy education, and the theoretical frameworks of new literacies and constructivism. In this chapter, I will detail the research methodology and forms of data collection I have chosen to use to determine how this study can provide new research for the integration of computers in the classroom as it applies to current and future literacy instructional models.

For this study, I will use a qualitative research approach to examine the experiences of both teachers and students who participate in a program designed to enhance literacy education through the use of computer assisted instruction. The three methods of data collection I will employ to gather the study results will include the qualitative methods of interviews, survey responses, and direct observation. Interviews will be conducted with the teachers of the study groups as well as with the students selected for the study itself. Separate surveys will be distributed to the teachers and the students. The direct observation of teacher and student interaction with the literacy software is intended to identify and document the experience of both parties as they participate in the implementation of computer assisted literacy instruction.

Rationale for Qualitative Methodology

I am using qualitative research methodology for this study in order to leverage a social context in support of the premise that computer technology for literacy instruction is paramount to the future education of students in our society. Based on the premise that education is a social science, th...

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... pp. 29–52. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org

Fontana, A., & Frey, J. H. (2005). The interview: From neutral stance to political involvement. In N. K. Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research (pp.695-723). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Hoepfl, M. (1997). Choosing qualitative research: a primer for technology education researchers. Retrieved from http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JTE/v9n1/pdf/hoepfl.pdf

Penn State University Office of Planning and Institutional Assessment . Using Surveys for Data Collection in Continuous Improvement. Innovation Insight Series,14. Retrieved from http://www.psu.edu/president/pia/innovation/Using_surveys_for_data_collection_in_continuous_improvement.pdf

Sofaer, S. (2002). Qualitative Methods: What are they and why use them?. Int J Qual Health Care 14(4), 329-336 doi:10.1093/intqhc/14.4.329

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