Artefact # 1 MDDE 602 - Research Methods in Distance Education

Why? To be honest, it was a prerequisite for the completion of my program, I would not have chosen this course if I didn't have to take it! Was I successful, yes I was, but it did come with a lot of trials and tribulations during the process. I recognized right away that I was going to need more help than the initial tutorials (1.1). Also, (1.2). I had to step back and ask myself, what do I understand about this course? I knew how to read data (percentages and graphing data analysis) but I was not familiar with the software program that was required (SPSS). I had taken a qualitative and quantitative research course (stats) back in University and just squeaked by with a passing grade of 60. When I first started MDDE602, I was so overwhelmed by the articles and problems we had to read and analyze that I did not even have time to fret about the actual software program (SPSS) I had to use to display those findings.

Not only was I recognizing my first obstacle and at the time my weakness, but I had to reacquaint myself with getting back into an online learning environment and being in a synchronous learning platform. I had to become technologically inclined in both synchronous (live classes) and asynchronous (pre-recorded lectures, self-paced study) options. I was diligent enough to make sure that I had a good solid organization and time management skills  (1.5, 1.9) to complete this assignment in the time frame that was expected. I should have however been prepared for any technical issues within that time frame...regrettably I was not. 

I sought out support through the library system after experiencing difficulties with loading the SPSS program. It did not load after multiple tries due to the act I did not have enough storage space to load it. After paying for more storage space and updating my computer, I needed to understand "how" to work the program specifically how it could be better than excel with entering data. The AU library support services helped me realize that storage space was a n issue.

During the first Quantitative Data Collection and Analysis Conference, I was able to ask appropriate questions to my professor and hone in on what it was I was struggling with. As I went through different theories, epistemology; and knowledge construction (2.1). During this time, I realized that due to the challenges I was having I was going to have to be more cognizant on managing my time (6.6), what theories were going to help me understand the data. (2.2). For example, I needed to understand what a histogram graph was for Problem #1 (3.3) in i602 (MDDE 602 Final Grade Interval question), does the distribution of scores (histogram) for this variable appear to reflect a normal distribution or not? I began taking required articles and problems, researching certain data using design and methods, including a "decision-making framework" for identifying research questions and choosing an appropriate research design and understanding the relationship between research and knowledge development in distance education.  

When I was conducting a critical literature review it involved not only focusing on a broad overview of the problems but required specific details outlined in subtopics that require a more in-depth analysis of specific studies such as understanding the research process in what questions relate to theory, and what do not. It was important to Identify the relationships among certain data concepts to create a theoretical sketch (5.6). This process became more of an interactive process where data collection and analysis to identify any themes, theories, and key concepts. Interpreting data and using alternative software and platforms proved to be an obstacle. It was a challenge trying to make sense of all of this complex, data which  had to be respected in different histograms, bar charts, and pie charts. I had to represent data with different visuals such as scatterplots, and line graphs. Each problem had to have a different customizable graph for quality visuals for each individual problem.

There was a colleague that I worked with at Halton District School board with whom I had a conversation about the MDDE602 course. She told me that stats in qualitative and quantitative data was her forte, so I asked her if I could hire her as a private tutor. Thank goodness Karen agreed. The format of this Assignment #1 was a problem-and-answer format, rather than the usual research paper format. We had to answer each problem question separately while ensuring we placed figures, tables, and graphics with the answer to the question. There was important information that helped me improve my understanding the SPSS System. This system site SPSS Statistics (developed by IBM) was required for us to use for data management, and advanced analytics for problems. Not only did I have an issue understanding the dynamics of how the program worked but I also had a difficult time loading the software. It showed it loaded, then I couldn't find the program on my computer, it just kept prompting me to load it over again and again...This was the beginning of my frustration!

Not only did I have to find a hypothesis based on what I was seeing but I also had to explain significant data results and the correlation and the relationship between each of the variables. Karen supported me through this whole process. We went through all the required problems, and each question had a different way to display the data as it was being interpreted. It was important to Identify and analyze patterns or themes within the data. After that, I could go over the material with Karen to discuss and reflect to gain different perspectives and value to each problem.

Below is an example of Problem 5: Standard Deviation & Standard Error. Standard deviation is valuable when it comes to grades. Mean is the average of all the grades in a class. This question presented itself as a serious barrier for me, especially the math portion of it. My colleague and I had some interactive phone/zoom sessions which allowed us to go through the questions together (5.7). It was beneficial for me to receive immediate feedback which helped me correct mistakes and understand the material in real-time. 

Once I understood the validity of the SPSS program, it allowed me to group and summarize (5.8) and condensing the information allowed me to group my findings into a more manageable analysis. This is where I could identify relationships such as common patterns, themes, patterns, and contradictions. It also allowed me to combine insights from different sources to create a unified understanding.

REFLECTION

Karen provided me with a supportive safe learning environment (4.4) where I could feel comfortable with asking questions (at times I felt like very silly questions) and making mistakes. This course made me more motivated to feel empowered about my learning and realize that I can conquer any educational task as long as I put in hard work and continuous effort. It also sparked a love for learning new content even in very uncomfortable formats (qualitative and quantitative research). It gave me a boost of confidence. At times, it is difficult to take constructive criticism and I received a lot of feedback. This feedback, I learned was essential for me to learn from my mistakes.

In conclusion, this course was my biggest achievement and downfall throughout my whole MDDE course load. In retrospect, I have learned a lot about my strengths and weakness especially with learning new digital platforms that stem around data analysis. I also predict that this Artefact #1 will be my biggest challenge to discuss, explain and reflect on. I found it extremely difficult to even explain where and when I had struggles as really it seems to be a big blur.  Strengths? Adversity in competing the data analysis in proper digital platforms. My weakness still remains, Qualitative in the pure understanding of why people behave the way they do in specific aspects. It also can be measured in aiming to uncover insights that can actionable that is immediate. My weakness in quantitative research in particular was that I found it more of a generalized research process that is secondary data is sometimes not available or available.