Standard
3.4 Research and knowledge creation: Candidates use evidence-based, action research to collect data. Candidates interpret and use data to create and share new knowledge to improve practice in school libraries.
Artifact Description
- ISTC 685 - Researchin Instructional Technology
- Research Proposal
- ISTC 685 - Researchin Instructional Technology
- Research Presentation
Relevance
In ISTC 685, Research in Instructional Technology, I chose to create a research proposal on the impact iPads have on students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
While working on this major assignment, I realized everything that goes into conducting professional educational research. Prior to this project I had no idea the amount of time and work that goes into all of the different research studies that have, at times, shaped the educational world we work in today. I also realized the important role that research plays in education and I myself have began collecting data on my own students to help me better understand what is working and what is not working in my teaching. Currently my personal research is not as in depth as the research studies I came across and used in my research proposal, but I hope it will one day possibly make at least a small impact on the future of education.
Once I completed my research proposal I was required to create a presentation to share with my cohort classmates. As I created my presentation I wanted to make sure my classmates understood why I felt my proposal was important and why this research needed to be conducted. There has been a lot of research on the impact of iPads on students with ASD but like most research topics, there needs to more research. I even included some research I conducted myself in my presentation. I interviewed some of my own students with ASD and asked them how they felt about iPads and if they felt they helped them in school. I feel those personal accounts really helped to show the importance of this topic and why my research proposal should be accepted and eventually lead to a real-life research study.
Analysis
Working on my research proposal has changed the way I look at professional research studies. In the past I would look at research studies and skim through them until I found something that would help with a particular assignment. Now I understand the amount of time and work that goes into proposing and conducting a study. Also this assignment has made me realize the important role research studies have played in moving the educational world forward and I need to take part in that. I need to find what is working and spread the word about that. I need to collect data on my students and share that with other educators and figure out what we need to do as educators to teach students more effectively and efficiently.