Please update your instructor on the status of your progress ✓ Solved

Please update your instructor on the status of your progress. Please include your agreed upon topic you submitted in week 1 – note if there have been any changes that you and your instructor have agreed upon. What theory, model, framework have you decided to use? What method have you finalized, Qualitative, Quantitative, Mixed Methods, or are you building a project, e.g., a software application? If you are building a project, have you located a baseline evaluation method to measure your data? What Research Design have you decided on (if you know) e.g., Regression Analysis, Sum of Least Squares, Multi-Case Study, Delphi Method? If you have chosen a survey, did you get permission to use that survey? What population have you chosen (if you know), also if you are going to interview respondents at a company’s site, did you get permission from that company? Is your Chapter 2 between 40 to 60 pages, and contain 50 to 75 scholarly references, the majority of which are within the last 3 years? If you are planning to interview people, have you taken the Qualitative elective offered, or have experience in interviewing people (you will have to show this)? Have you taken your CITI training yet, are you preparing to?

Paper For Above Instructions

As I reach a critical phase in my research journey, I would like to provide an update on my progress for the ongoing project entitled "The Impact of Digital Learning Environments on Student Engagement and Performance." This topic, which I confirmed with my instructor during the first week, has remained consistent without significant changes. Through diligent review of current literature and discussions with my instructor, we have determined that focusing on students’ interactions within digital platforms will yield valuable insights.

To frame my research, I have selected the Social Constructivism theory, which emphasizes the importance of social interactions in the learning process (Vygotsky, 1978). This theory will guide my exploration of how digital learning environments can augment student engagement and, consequently, enhance academic performance.

In terms of methodology, I have opted for a Mixed Methods approach. This decision stems from the need to gather comprehensive data that captures both quantitative metrics, such as engagement scores and academic performance, as well as qualitative insights through student interviews and focus groups (Creswell, 2014). Using a Mixed Methods approach will allow me to triangulate findings from various sources to present a holistic view of the research question.

Presently, I am in the process of defining the research design. I intend to implement a Multi-Case Study design, which will involve analyzing multiple digital learning environments across various institutions to identify patterns and variations in student engagement (Yin, 2018). This approach is particularly relevant as it allows for contextual understanding of different educational settings.

If I incorporate a survey into my methodology, I have already identified relevant instruments to assess student engagement but will ensure to obtain necessary permissions before proceeding. The selected survey has been validated in prior research, ensuring reliability and accuracy in collecting data.

The population I aim to target consists of undergraduate students enrolled in online courses at affiliated universities. I am in the process of securing permissions from institutional representatives to access potential participants for interviews at their campuses, in compliance with ethical research standards.

As for the progression of Chapter 2, I am compiling relevant literature to draft a comprehensive review that extends approximately 50 pages, conforming to the requirement of 40 to 60 pages. My aim is to include 50 to 75 scholarly references, predominantly from sources published within the last three years (Glaser & Strauss, 2017).

Moreover, since my research involves qualitative elements such as interviews, I successfully completed the Qualitative Research elective last semester, ensuring I have developed the necessary skills for effective interviewing. I am also preparing for my CITI training to comply with research ethics and maintain the integrity of my study.

In conclusion, I am making steady progress towards my project goals and appreciate the guidance and support provided by my instructor throughout this process. I am open to feedback and suggestions to further refine my research direction.

References

  • Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. SAGE Publications.

  • Glaser, B. G., & Strauss, A. L. (2017). The Discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative Research. Aldine Transaction.

  • Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press.

  • Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods. SAGE Publications.

  • Merriam, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2015). Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation. Jossey-Bass.

  • Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods: Integrating Theory and Practice. SAGE Publications.

  • Leavy, P. (2017). Research Design: Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed Methods, Arts-Based, and Community-Based Participatory Research Approaches. The Guilford Press.

  • Flick, U. (2018). An Introduction to Qualitative Research. SAGE Publications.

  • Robson, C., & McCartan, K. (2016). Real World Research. Wiley.

  • Soares, L. (2018). Navigating the Digital Learning Landscape: Student Engagement Strategies. Online Learning Journal, 22(1), 56-72.