Clare Madge- University of Leicester
Structure of presentation
1. Background to the project
2. Tour of the site
3. Module detail
4. How can it be used?
5. Evaluation
1. Project background
• Programme: ESRC Research Methods Programme (Phase 2)
• Period of project: April 04 to July 06• Total amount of award from ESRC: After
indexation: £100,360.59 (1st round)• The project team:
-Clare Madge (Geog) -Henrietta O Connor (CLMS)-Jane Wellens (Educational Developer)-Rob Shaw (Learning Technologist)-Tristram Hooley (PG Training Coordinator)-Julia Meek (Evaluation Consultant)
Project aims1. To produce and evaluate a high-quality
online portal to provide training in online research methods;
2. To act as a self-supporting online resource focusing on web-based questionnaires, virtual synchronous and asynchronous interviews;
3. To draw on successful good practice case studies, cover ethical issues of online research, provide resource links and technical guidance.
Why ORM?
• Training in ORM recognized area of need with a current shortage of provision.
• E.g. recent Consultation Exercise by National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM) and ESRC Postgraduate Training Guidelines (2005).
• Prior to the launch of the “Exploring Online Research Methods” package no training programme in ORM existed.
2. Tour of the site: Key sectionsSite link
ModulesModule index
Type of content
• Methodological complexity• Case studies• Learning activities• Resources• Referencing systems• Print version
3. Module detail- example
http://www.geog.le.ac.uk/orm/index.htm
4. How can site be used?
• Stand alone for individual researcher.• As part of training modules.• Training events- workshops etc. • Characterised by flexibility learning styles and
strategies and differing levels of experience of research in general and on-line methods in particularly.
5. Evaluation
• Critical view• External evaluators. Rigorous evaluation.• Social Science Information Gateway/AoIR• Google statistics:3 month period (3 Apr - date)Requests = 21000 Average request for pages per day 426Distinct hosts served = 6100From 70 countries (30% UK, 18% commercial)• Peer feedback •To be determined? Usage and quality
of research.
www.geog.le.ac.uk/orm