Data-based decision making standard
def. Value the use of data as the starting point for professional work.
Artifacts from Ed690: Methods of Inquiry
Instant Messaging and Teens Literature Review (doc, pdf) - solo
Digital Teenage Landscape Report (doc, pdf)- group
MySpace Analysis Presentation (ppt, pdf)- group (slide design and images created solo)
Reflection
Course: 690 Methods of Inquiry
Purpose: A case study on high school teens in San Diego's usage of the online social networking site MySpace.
Situation: The project began with each student in the class performing a literature review on a topic (my topic was on teenage instant message and chat patterns). For the case study I partnered with Nelly Aragon whose literature review was on teen blogging and online self expression. With the sheer number of teen users, the multiple communication features and the extensive negative coverage by the media we choose to research how local teens were using MySpace. Our case study provided the opportunity to walk through the entire research process (identify a workable topic, perform a literature review, collect and analyze both static content and survey data, and present our findings and conclusions). For the data collection we created a content analysis spreadsheet which tracked over twenty online account characteristics and divided the collection of 40 randomly sampled pages for teens aged 16-18 between the two of us. As a teacher I had access to this sample group so I created an anonymous survey asking questions which we could not garner from the content analysis. Once the data from both methods were collected and analyzed we presented our findings to the class. After the semester ended, Dr. Wang collaborated with us on revising the final report which we then submitted to several online journals. Although we have not found a publisher yet I was honored to have an instructor feel that the results of a project I worked on warranted possible publication.
What problem(s) or opportunities arose as you were developing this artifact?
Initially we struggled with how to gather information on ways that teens used the Internet to communicate. Instant messaging is normally private and the demographic data on teens using blogs was difficult to track. Even with relatively current research on teen instant messaging and blogging patterns from our literature review, Nelly and I discussed how the rapidly changing technological landscape could make many of these findings invalid. As a solution we agreed that MySpace was a viable option since it tracks various information such as the age of the users, when they last visited and it also provides the opportunity for blogging, tracking asynchronous chatting and posting of images. Due to the public concerns over online predators taking advantage of underage users, MySpace blocks all public access to accounts for teens age 14 and 15. The user account search engine in MySpace does not allow searches for users below the age of 18. This posed a significant problem since our target audience was 16-18.What did you learn from engaging that problem or opportunity, and how do you hope to apply in the future the experience you gained?
While digging through MySpace I found a feature which allowed you to search for users by high school. This area allowed me to filter the searches by school and by grade level. This loophole allowed us to find user account for people under 18. As a researcher I was excited to have found a way around the limitations but as a teacher I was slightly disturbed that I could do this.Another lesson learned was the need to stay current when dealing with technology and early adopters (such as teens). I realize that it is impossible to be an expert in each new emerging technology but I hope to keep my finger on the educational and technological pulse in order to stay competitive and open to new solutions.
What does this work demonstrate about you and your capabilities?
The scope and comprehensive nature of this project coupled with the creative solutions I found are key indicators of my capabilities. Using the literature review results from both my research and Nelly's we were able to use past research to help drive or current research. From the content analysis data we collected I was able to identify areas in our research which needed to be fleshed out with additional data that we could not get from the websites alone. Using my connections I was able to survey over 50 students in our target group. In addition to data based decision making this project also demonstrates my interpersonal and communication skills.What did completing this work teach you about yourself within the field of educational technology?
The variety of research topics within our class and from previous semesters really opened my eyes to the variety of subject areas within the field. I also found working with Nelly to be a valuable and rewarding experience. In the past I have preferred working alone but working on this research case study from start to finish with a partner opened my eyes to the powerful work that can be done when the team is comprised of hard working and intelligent individuals. I also enjoyed have the opportunity to apply some of the theoretical principles in a real world situation. By having the literature reviews guide our research decision which in turn guided our collection methods pulled the entire design process into focus for me. I look forward to taking the lessons learned from this and other projects from the program into my future instructional design work.