MDDE+602+Assignment+1

**Assignment 1:** //Research Design Evaluation and Critique//

 * Credit weight:** 15%
 * Due date:** End of week 5
 * Readings:** Text chapter and readings for weeks 1-4

**Directions**
Doing research in education requires consideration of many complex factors. The first few weeks of this course cover the components of research activity and the different ways of approaching research. Assignment 1 is an opportunity to compare and evaluate multiple perspectives and data collection opportunities. In a short essay of argument, present your case for research in distance education in favor of a particular way of doing research. For example, debate the use of one knowledge paradigm over another. Or you could consider one research method over another or the benefit of basic versus applied research. To prepare for this writing, review all reading and the conference discussion in Conference #2. Consider your reaction to the way things are done in research. What do you consider would most benefit the field? Why? From this experience, identify a position regarding one aspect of the research process. In a short essay of approximately 1200 - 1500 words (4-6 double-spaced pages), present your case. Include references to material used with appropriate style for quotes and citations. One (1) file is to be submitted for Assignment 1. The filename should include both your first and last name. Simply submit the file using the assignment drop box. > > > **//Note://** //Insert a page break (in Microsoft Word select Insert>Break>Page break) at the end of the title page//
 * Title page - Course designation, name, student ID number, assignment number
 * Essay on research design evaluation and critique

Course Author: Martha Cleveland-Innes, Ph.D. Production/Research Editor: Mickey MacGregor
 * The Course Team**

Grade: 13.5/15 = 90%

Note: I could have improved the essay by expanding the discussion the problem in DE and connecting the pros and cons to the problem. I did have one page left that I could have used for this purpose.

If one chooses to write about qualitative and quantitative methods, I would recommend reading the relevant chapters a few weeks before they are assigned. It would have been easier for me if I had done so.

The professor clarified the purpose and goals of the assignment in the discussion forum. Here is the clarification given,

Assignment 1 is an opportunity to explore different methods or paradigms used in research while comparing and evaluating multiple perspectives and data collection approaches. You are to write a short essay, arguing your case for research in distance education in favor of a particular way of doing research.

Your argument should demonstrate that you understand differences two methods or paradigms. These research designs can be action research, ethnographic, survey research, grounded theory, biographical, applied vs basic, quantitative paradigm vs qualitative, or many other methods/designs. To build a knowledge base for later assignments, I recommend studying qualitative/quantitative methodologies.

Compare and contrast with consideration of the assumptions regarding -knowledge construction, -practical applications, -type of data generated, -validity and reliability, -other relevant aspect of research

Write the essay within the context of a current distance education issue that interests you. The assignment asks you to then make a statement as to which methodology best addresses the issue, and why, of course.