Module_1

=Module 1: Course Orientation and Cooperative Planning= Welcome, my name is **Dr. Jo Ann Smith,** the instructor for the web version of EDF 6481. It is a pleasure to have you in this course. My desire is that you gain a better understanding of how research studies are conducted in educational settings in order to make decisions about the appropriateness of the research and the process of formulating a research proposal. The two main objectives of this course is that you are able to read and evaluate a research study to determine if the results are reliable, valid, and applicable to your situation, and how to design a research study based on a question you desire to answer using an appropriate research design. As a teacher, counselor, or school administrator you should not only gain a better understanding and an appreciation for how research studies are conducted, but also acquire a "critical eye" for determining the quality of a research study and its relevance to your particular educational needs and setting--learning to determine if a particular educational product is truly proven to be effective based on the results of scientifically-based research studies. If you plan to pursue a doctoral degree this course is invaluable in the initial formation of your own dissertation research. If at anytime during the course you feel you need some face to face instruction to gain a better understanding of any specific modules, you are welcome to contact me to schedule an appointment. I look forward to working together with you in this course. 1. Describe the overall scientific research process and philosophical issues. 2. Define and delimit a research problem, research question and hypothesis. 3. Describe the different ways of designing or planning a research investigation. 4. Describe methods of collecting educational research data. 5. Identify the external and internal threats to the validity of a design. 6. Identify data quality issues associated with different kinds of research methodology including the role of measurement in the solution of educational problems. 7. Identify the appropriate analytical strategies for particular research investigations. 8. Critically analyze research reports in the literature.
 * Welcome to Introduction to Fundamentals of Graduate Research**
 * Course Learning Objectives**

EDF 6481 Orientation
It is important that you read the **syllabus** and **protocols** carefully for the guidance and help you will need to complete this course smoothly. It will also be very helpful for you to complete the following orientation on how to use the Webcourses.

See "Student Tutorials" on the course content homepage. The tutorial will help you learn how to move around and interact with Webcourses. There is a quiz at the end of the Tutorials which will help you gauge your readiness to begin using Webcourses@UCF. This quiz is not required, but may be helpful to you.

Webcourses Homepage Links
In the center of the page, you will find a group of links. These links contain the Course Content. To access any tool in Webcourses, you can select the links provided in the Course Tools navigation bar to the left.

Modules
The **Modules** link takes you to a listing of each Module for the content of the course. When you click on one of the links, it takes you to a Table of Contents for that lesson. New modules will be released according to the schedule.

Student Tutorials

 * Student Tutorials** will be located here throughout the semester. If at anytime you need assistance with a feature of Webcourses@UCF, come to this location for information.

Syllabus
The **Syllabus** contains pertinent information about the course, including the grading criteria and the **Schedule** (includes the due dates for all assignments) for the semester.

Protocols

 * Protocols** are guidelines that will help everyone to have a great online experience. Make sure you read these carefully.

COURSE TOOLS
Announcements I will use this feature throughout the term to advise you of upcoming events, such as due dates, etc. Assessments This area includes quizzes, exams, surveys and self tests. Assignments We will be using the Assignments link to turn in the two Research Article Critiques and the Final Research Proposal. Directions for using this tool will be provided in the Student Tutorials. You have the ability to upload files to the assignment section. The instructions for the assignments will be found within the modules. Calendar The calendar will help keep you updated on due dates and other events Chat We will have this feature available for the groups to discuss project planning. Discussions You will be able to use the **Discussions** feature of Webcourses for asynchronous (not at the same time) postings. This is the bulletin board feature of Webcourses. Discussions allow you to post, read, reply, and quote a posting for reply purposes. You can post and reply without having to be online at the same time. We will use this to post weekly assignments and review each others' research proposal sections. Mail The Mail is an internal e-mail system for Webcourses and requires you to access your course to view your mail. Because "Mail" is internal to Webcourses, it does not automatically deliver mail to your preferred e-mail address. Mail allows you to send, read, and search for messages. I will use this for communicating to you about specific assignments. **You must use Mail for all correspondence related to this course**. Please see Protocols for further communication guidelines. Syllabus Another link to the syllabus. Who’s Online This is similar to instant messaging eCommunity We will use this feature as a backup channel for communication in the rare event that Webcourses is not available. Be sure to check your e-mail address in eCommunity and verify that it is up-to-date. Roster We use this feature to see a listing of who is enrolled in the course.

Learning Online Web Site
The **Learning Online** Web site is there to help you in your online experiences. There are many resources available and helpful hints and tips. If you have a question, check here first. You might find your answer and if you don't, let me know and I'll make sure we add it. =1.3 Assignment=

[[image:http://reach.ucf.edu/images/sbsk/sbskicon_dothis.gif]]

 * **Internet Communication and Introduction** - To make sure that you can use the Webcourses communication capacity, please complete the following three tasks for your first assignment:


 * 1) Go to the **Assignment tool** to complete the Internet Communication Assignment Task by:


 * attaching a word document file which contains your name,
 * indicate whether you would give me permission to post your work for class discussion with or without anonymity,
 * if you have any special needs you would want me to consider or accommodate.

2. Next, go to **Discussions** and post to the discussion topic entitled **//Hello! Introduction//** and introduce yourself to the class. Try to take this opportunity to find research partners having the same research interest to team up for the final paper. You are not required to work in teams, but it helps to work in collaborative teams since the final proposal requires you to have read and to cite at least nine research articles. **Once you have a group of three to four, e-mail me the group member names as soon as possible.** 3. Finally, go to the eCommunity tab and update your preferred e-mail address in eCommunity/myUCF in order to stay in touch when Webcourses is dysfunctional in bad weather (even though this seldom happens).
 * Note:** Each team member will be responsible for completing a Team Evaluation Form on the other members of their team. See Rubrics under the Course Content to review the evaluation form.