Research Methods for Education in the Digital Age

Description

What is research in education? And what is it for in a digital age? Reflecting upon these questions, this engaging introduction provides critical discussion about the dilemmas of researching education in the digital age and ways forward for research in this complex area. Research Methods for Education in the Digital Age begins by outlining forms of education that are seen as digital, such as virtual, blended, immersive learning and examining the extent to which these are different or just adapted versions of earlier methods and approaches to education. Maggi Savin-Baden and Gemma Tombs explore current practices in research, identifying the successful adoption and adaption of theories and present practical guidance on new and emerging methodologies, methods, and analytical practices for undertaking educational research. New methodologies discussed include digital arts-based inquiry and digital visual methodologies, as well as adaptations of widely used methodologies such as ethnography, for the specific needs of researching digital teaching and learning. The book outlines the major challenges faced by today’s digital researchers, exploring approaches to digital ethics, the relationship between qualitative and quantitative data in the digital age, digital data representations and portrayal and suggests helpful ways of dealing with the complexities and ethical challenges of undertaking research in and for digital spaces. Using case studies, research tips, a glossary and annotated further reading, the authors take a step by step approach from conceptualizing the research ideas, selecting the appropriate method to the dissemination of the findings. At a time when education is changing rapidly with digital and technological advances, Research Methods for Education in the Digital Age is essential reading for researchers wanting to undertake sound and rigorous research in the digital domain. Title Page Copyright Page Contents List of Figures List of Tables Acknowledgements Series Editor’s ­Preface A Glossary of Research Methods and Approaches Introduction Chapter 1 Issues in researching education in the digital age Introduction Current issues Methodology and methods Data challenges Questions that bear consideration Conclusion Further reading Chapter 2 New methodologies? Introduction A pragmatic stance? Liquid methodologies? Digital and visual methods Digital-arts-related research Digital narrative inquiry Digital métissage Conclusion Further reading Chapter 3 Ethnographies for the digital age Introduction A brief history of ethnography Ethnographies for the digital age? Differences in methods Ethnographies in practice Conclusion Further reading Chapter 4 Adapting research approaches for educational research in a digital age Introduction The challenges of adaptation Design-based research Design patterns Future technology workshop Actor network theory Activity theory Troublesome trajectories Conclusion Further reading Chapter 5 Quantitative data in digital contexts Introduction Quantitative data in the digital age Big data, learning analytics and educational data mining Survey data Social media data Mobile application data Geo-location data Virtual worlds application data Capturing data and data capture Conclusion Further reading Chapter 6 Digital ethics Introduction Defining ethics Undertaking ethical research in digital contexts Privacy, consent and analytics in digital spaces The ‘human subject’ in digital contexts Anonymization and attribution of research participants Ethical frameworks for a digital age? Conclusion Further reading Chapter 7 Digital data creation and collection Introduction Researcher roles Cooperative research Observations Interviews Conclusion Further reading Chapter 8 Data management Introduction Defining data management Analysing digital data Analysing using digital tools The use of digital techniques for analysis Interpreting digital data Conclusion Further reading Chapter 9 Representation and portrayal in qualitative research Introduction Issues of representation and portrayal Representation Portrayal Reflections on portrayal Conclusion Further reading Chapter 10 Digital impact Introduction The impact agenda in education and research New ways of presenting research findings The open agenda in education and research Undertaking research in the digital age: Current and future practice Conclusion Beginning and endings Further reading References Index