June 25-29, 2007 Vancouver BC, Canada - Association for the ...

PRE-CONFERENCE TUTORIALS & WORKSHOPS
Monday, June 25, Morning, 8:30 AM – 12:00 NOON
T1: Exploring Design-Based Research Methods
Ron Oliver, Edith Cowan University, Australia
Jan Herrington, University of Wollongong, Australia
Tom Reeves, University of Georgia, USA
Abstract
This tutorial has been designed to help participants understand and be able to apply
design-based research (DBR) approaches to explorations and inquiries into technology-supported
learning and teaching. Design-based research comprises various
approaches undertaken with the intent of producing new theories, artifacts, and practices
that account for, and potentially impact, learning and teaching in naturalistic settings.
Design-based research provides a sound basis for meaningful and effective
research that can deliver outcomes and findings which will have value and impact.
Objectives
Participation in this workshop will enable participants to:
• understand the conceptual basis underpinning DBR approaches;
• appreciate the forms of inquiry suited to DBR approaches;
• know the important steps and processes in DBR approache;
• understand the processes associated with planning a DBR project;
• plan a research project using a DBR approach;
• evaluate DBR approaches and understand their potential to support quality
research outoomes.
Outline
The workshop will follow the following format:
• discussion and description of DBR as a research methodology (presentation).
The presenters will provide an overview of DBR from a conceptual perspective
highlighting the characteristic attributes and the principles underpinning
the approach. The introduction will provide examples of the forms of research
suited to DBR approaches and the outcomes that can be achieved.
• reviewing case studies of DBR projects (groupwork). Participants will work in
small groups to review examples of DBR and to analyse the opporunties
derived from the approaches employed. The review will seek to discern the
critical elements of DBR and the opportunities they present to the researcher.
• conceptualising a DBR approach (presentation). The presenters will describe
the processes associated with planning and developing a DBR project. The
presentation will highlight the critical decisions and judgments that guide the
planning and implementation of DBR.
• planning a DBR project (groupwork). Participants will work in homogeneous
groups to create plans for DBR projects based on personal interests and
experience. The process is intended to develop participants' skills in applying
DBR approaches in a grounded fashion.
Prerequisites
Audience need to have some experience in research into learning technologies either
as students, supervisors or academics. The workshop will assume an understanding
of qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies and previous experience in
conducting research into technology-supported learning using these methods.
Intended Experience Level
Beginner
Instructor Qualifications
Thomas C. Reeves is a Professor of Instructional Technology at The University of
Georgia in the USA. Jan Herrington is an Associate Professor of Education at the
University of Wollongong in Australia. Ron Oliver is a Professor of Interactive
Multimedia and an Associate Dean of Teaching and Learning at Edith Cowan
University in Australia. Our research collaboration has been partially funded by the
Australian Research Council, the Australian-American Fulbright Commission, and our
respective universities.
Tutorials are indicated by a T# and have a lecture/demonstration format. Workshops are indicated by a W# and are primarily hands-on sessions.
We advise early registration for all Tutorials and Workshops due to limited space available.
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