Prior to taking this course, I was primarily familiar with scientific research, specifically biomedical research, as that is my background. As I began this course, I was concerned that educational research would be very different from what I am used to, especially when considering methodology and that I would get them confused. I know now that while reading and analyzing are very different, it was not so different that it was confusing. The research methods often followed the same process as the scientific research I am accustomed to. One misconception I had prior to this course is that the larger the sample size, the more reliable the research. However, this may not always be true, especially when considering qualitative research.
One particular thing that I learned in this course that I did not know before is how to analyze research to evaluate whether the research was reliable. It is important to consider the researcher(s)' credentials but it also important to consider the quality of the research, which varies depending on the type of research being conducted. It is important to be able to evaluate research for its credibility when being a leader in instructional technology, whether that be a school leader or a technology coach. A leader should be able to find applicable research often since this particular field changes constantly, be able to evaluate the results of the research, and apply it to their practice. As an instructional technology specialist, this course has been valuable to me because I can now search for resources more effectively, determine the quality of the research, and use it to make me a better, more informed technology coach. Much of the research I did for my annotated bibliography was very applicable to my current position and I am excited to be able to apply what I have learned this fall.
One particular thing that I learned in this course that I did not know before is how to analyze research to evaluate whether the research was reliable. It is important to consider the researcher(s)' credentials but it also important to consider the quality of the research, which varies depending on the type of research being conducted. It is important to be able to evaluate research for its credibility when being a leader in instructional technology, whether that be a school leader or a technology coach. A leader should be able to find applicable research often since this particular field changes constantly, be able to evaluate the results of the research, and apply it to their practice. As an instructional technology specialist, this course has been valuable to me because I can now search for resources more effectively, determine the quality of the research, and use it to make me a better, more informed technology coach. Much of the research I did for my annotated bibliography was very applicable to my current position and I am excited to be able to apply what I have learned this fall.