Authors: Robert Farrow, Martin Weller, Paco Iniesto, Beck Pitt
Institution: The Open University
Country: United Kingdom
Topic: Applications of Open Education Practices/Open Pedagogy/Open Education Research
Sector: Higher Education
UNESCO Area of Focus: Facilitating int cooperation
Session Format: Presentation
Abstract
This session will present an overview of the Global OER Graduate Network research methods handbook. The handbook, published in 2020, was developed by members of the network who are doctoral and post-doctoral researchers in open education, and serves as a useful starting point for anyone wishing to do research in education with a focus on OER, MOOCs or OEP.An accessible and brief description of the types of methods typically used in research into education and educational technology will be provided. Some of the contrasting philosophical, epistemological and ontological commitments of different research paradigms will be used to differentiate alternative methodologies. Theoretical perspectives will be outlined (but not fully explored).
State-of-the-art approaches will be explored and their relevance for open education explained. The presentation will use examples of current doctoral research to highlight the use of different methods, and will convey insights into using different methods as shared by the researchers. This includes reflections on using different methods, and advice for conducting similar work.
Finally, the presentation will offer up for discussion a provisional model of open scholarship including open practices (agile project management; directly influencing practice; radical transparency; sharing research instruments; social media presence; networks); open science (open access; open data; open licensing); digital innovation (HCI; data science; open source technologies); and normative elements (challenging dominant narratives; promoting social justice; and reducing barriers to educational access).
Reference:
Farrow, R., Iniesto, F., Weller, M. & Pitt., R. (2020). The GO-GN Research Methods Handbook. Open Education Research Hub. The Open University, UK. CC-BY 4.0. http://go-gn.net/gogn_outputs/research-methods-handbook/
Keywords
Research, Open Research, Collaboration, Method, Methodology, Open Educational Practices, Global OER Graduate Network
