Data+Collection

Data Collection

Collection and Analysis of **__both__** __Qualitative__ and __Quantitativ__e Data ( a mixed-method research design) is important to this study because it makes the researcher understand the phenomenon of on-line collaboration more fully than just looking at one type of data.
 * 1. __Qualitative Data__ - uses narrative, descriptive approaches to understand the way things are and what the research menas from the perspectives of the participants in the study**
 * Examples:**
 * unstructured observation
 * interviews

2. **__Quantitative Data__ - uses numbers to quantify the the cause-effect relationship**
 * Examples:**
 * Surveys
 * Evaluation
 * Frequency of Use
 * Teacher reflective journal
 * Recorded observations


 * Measures and Procedures**

At the beginning of project, teachers will be interviewed and given pre-attitudinal surveys. A needs assessment can be conducted at the same time. Teachers will be invited to log-on and set up an account on the free wikispace website and collaborate on a specific project agreed upon at a prior staff meeting by the action team research. The ultimate aim will be for teachers to share files order to share files, to comment and discuss various issues. Since the program is web based teachers will be able to collaborate any time throughout the day, at school or at home. Teachers will be encouraged to record their experiences in a reflective journal that will be collected as part of data analysis. Action team research will frequently log on to the website to take note regarding the flow of discussion and document sharing. Upon completion of the project, the team and teachers will have a face-to-face meeting where participants will complete a post-attitudinal survey. Pre and Post surveys will be thoroughly analyzed. Data will also be examined to see how often Teachers participated on the wiki. This data can be analyzed in conjunction with the reflective journal and interviews to help determine how on-line tools may improve teacher collaboration and communication.

__**Quantitative Data**__ with others. ||  ||   ||   ||   || online classes. ||  ||   ||   ||   || thoughts and feelings with others. ||  ||   ||   ||   || schools. ||  ||   ||   ||   || colleagues and wish to receive constructive feedback from others. ||  ||   ||   ||   || activities with my team members within my school. ||  ||   ||   ||   || effective learning strategy. ||  ||   ||   ||   || colleagues, but I believe it is necessary. ||  ||   ||   ||   || my home than after school. ||  ||   ||   ||   || information among team members at other schools. ||  ||   ||   ||   ||
 * 1. Pre/Post Survey**
 * **Survey Questions** || **Strongly**
 * Disagree** || Disagree || Agree || Strongly Agree ||
 * I work better alone and do not enjoy collaborating
 * I perform much better in face-to-face classes than
 * I am uncomfortable about communicating online. ||  ||   ||   ||   ||
 * I am a very social person and can easily share my
 * I am interested in collaborating with teachers at other
 * I believe I have something to contribute to my
 * I regularly participate in face-to-face collaborative
 * I do not consider online collaboration to be an
 * I do not have time to collaborate with my
 * I would much rather collaborate in the comfort of
 * I am excited about exchanging ideas and

Source: (2006, Bunkley)

2. Numbers on Frequency of Use

__**Qualitative Data**__ Interview Questions such as : - What is their attitudes toward technological tools?, - What would you do differently if trying this again?, - Did your feelings about collaboration change as a result of this on-line community? - Did you consider this method to be effective for increasing collaboration?

__**Data Analysis and Action Plan**__ The data from this study will show us how we can continually improve our collaboration using on-line tools

Journal || Pre and Post Surveys || talks || Electronic Reflective Journal || using social network || Attitudinal Surveys || Observation || Interviews || tools || Surveys || Observations || Frequency of use log ||
 * Triangulation Matrix**
 * Data Sources**
 * **Research Questions** || **D.S. 1** || **D.S. 2** || **D.S. 3** ||
 * Teacher's Motivation || Attitude Scales || Reflective
 * Reasons for group membership || Interview || Informal
 * Teacher's backgrounds/prior experience '
 * Teachers' current abilities to use the
 * Teachers' preparation and training || Attitudinal Surveys || Observations || Interviews ||