Introduction and Reflection

The artifact shown above is a completed research project developed specifically for the ETR

525 course. ETR 525 has a number of goals and objectives for its students in general. For me, it

was very beneficial because it increased my potential to comprehend and practice qualitative

research methods as well as to use research instruments such as interviews, group discussions,

observations, literature synthesis, etc. I participated in ETR 525 in the spring of 2014 and found

it fulfilling because it gave me an opportunity to increase my knowledge and confidence about

using qualitative methods. Before this class, I was comfortable mostly with conducting research

outlines for research papers and believed that I needed to expand myself. Through improving my

coding skills and theme grids, I learned how to make observations in research and then translate

them into findings.

v Evidence of Mastery of Objectives 1, 3, and 8

Objective 1, design a study of an educational research problem or phenomenon

using appropriate methodologies:

This study meets this objective because it studies issues related to e-learning and distance

education. It also analyzes a specific and unique population. The method used was interviews

and recordings that were later transcribed and persevered.

Objective 3 distinguish between ethical and unethical behavior when conducting

educational research or evaluations:

This objective is met because ethnics played a critical part in how this research was
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conducted. The informants were asked prior to beginning the audio recording if they would

consent to their voice being recorded. Fortunately, none of the participates objected to this.

Also, the informants were also debriefed about the meaning and purpose of the study before

conducting the interview. Even though it is not mandatory to disclose the purpose of

experiments, in this particular one, disclosing the information allowed for a more open and

honest conversation without the participating fearing a hidden motive.

Objective 8 engage in research-related activities in diverse settings.

This objective is met because the interviews were conducted in various places ranging from

Starbucks, to libraries, and learning centers.