Research Summit: Part 2 - What Are Our Research Questions? How Do We Find Our Answers?

Concurrent Session 4
Research OLC Session

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Brief Abstract

Have you ever wanted to design a research study, but didn’t know how to get started? This session will provide participants with the opportunity to brainstorm research questions they are interested in exploring and identify strategies they can leverage to find their answers! 

   

Sponsored By

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Nicole Weber, Online Learning Consortium

Dr. Nicole Weber is the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Learning at the Online Learning Consortium (OLC). In this role she works closely with OLC staff and global partners to advance professional development opportunities, continuous improvement efforts, and research in support of quality digital, blended, and online learning. Before joining OLC, she served as the Director of Learning Technology at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where she led online and blended faculty development efforts, technology training for the digital learning ecosystem, and emerging learning technology exploration and evaluation, collaborating across the institution to support student learning and success. Nicole received her PhD in Urban Education specializing in Social Foundations of Education with an emphasis on designing engaging learning environments in 2012.

Co-presenter: Eric Loeppe, University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

Dr. Eric Loepp is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he teaches courses in American government, political behavior, and research methods. His disciplinary research focuses on candidate evaluations and electoral decision-making, particularly in primary elections. He also studies pedagogy, with an emphasis on data- and technology-enhanced teaching techniques. This work has been recognized with distinctions including the American Political Science Association’s CQ Press Award for Teaching Innovation and the Cisco/Presidio Teaching with Technology Innovator Award, and has been featured in such journals as Electoral Studies, the Journal of Political Science Education, the Journal of Elections, Public Opinion, & Parties, Research & Politics, American Politics Research, and PS: Political Science & Politics.

Extended Abstract

We’ve all been in that moment--the one where the articles you’ve read on a subject don’t quite answer your question or you want to understand how technology impacts the learning experience at your own university.  But, how do you get started?

This 45-minute session will provide an overview of the research process, as well as the approaches and strategies you can leverage to answer your burning questions related to digital, blended, and online learning. More specifically, during this session you can expect to learn about and get tips on: 

Conducting literature reviews; 

  • Designing research questions;  
  • Choosing methodological approaches (i.e., is quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods right for my question?); and
  • Utilizing strategies (e.g., surveys, focus groups) to collect information. 

In addition, you will have the opportunity to: 

  • Brainstorm research questions you may be interested in pursuing; 
  • Determine which methodological approach supports answering your research question(s); and
  • Identify strategies that can support you in finding the answers you seek! 

During the session participants will be provided a collaborative document with additional resources and opportunities to reflect and collaborate with other session participants to advance their research work.