EDU7002+Research+Problem+Draft


 * **EDU7002-8** ||  ||
 * **Educational Research Methodology** || **4 Draft a Research Problem** ||
 * Steve – excellent job on this! Can’t wait to read your book! **
 * Steve – excellent job on this! Can’t wait to read your book! **

=Problem Statement = Today* the largest factor of dissatisfaction in adult online learning is the lack of face to face interaction by the learner with the facilitator or other learners*(Broadbent, 2002; Donavant, 2009; Maeroff, 2003; Palloff & Pratt, 2001); and*this dissatisfaction tends to culminate in a higher dropout rate, decreased motivation to learn, less participation and consequently less learning* (Broadbent, 2002; Martinez, 2011, Zemke & Zemke, 1995). A relationship has been demonstrated between online participation and learning performance (Huang, Lin, & Huang, 2012; Martinez, 2011; Watkins, 2005, Zemke & Zemke, 1995), as well as between learning performance and student satisfaction in online courses (Chen & Lien, 2011; Kozub, 2010; Martinez, 2011). The specific problem is* to investigate whether technological tools in a professional development adult online learning environment can overcome the lack of face to face interaction and foster increased learner participation, increased learner satisfaction, and increased perceived learning.* Knowledge gained will enlarge the currently small knowledge base regarding online professional development training (Chen & Lien, 2011; Donavant, 2009), will contribute a better understanding of facilitating engaging online instruction (Huang, Lin, & Huang, 2012; Watkins, 2005), and assist in identifying the proper level of media for use in the online classroom (Fletcher, Tobias, & Wisher, 2007; Martinez, 2011*).*

[s1] This statement of the problem is well within 250 to 300 words. [s2] Clearly state general problem – lack of interaction between student and instructor or other students. [DR3] I would put a period here [s4] General problem is described in more specific terms and more citations are offered to thoroughly ground all assertions in the literature. [s5] After presenting the general issues – the specific problem is introduced using the phrase “The specific problem is. . . “ [s6] The specific problem the research project will address is identified and validated by more citations - ?? I’ve already identified the assumptions that the problem is based on and validated them?? [s7] A clear explanation of why this is a research worthy problem includes generous use of citations. [s8] 10 citations were used to validate this brief problem statement.

I also realize that as I continue to expand on my literature review that additional factors may appear and need to be added, while other articles may reflect the need to alter some of the assumptions made, the benefits to be derived, and the specific problem itself.


 * = References ||
 * * Broadbent, B. (2002). //ABCs of e-learning: Reaping the benefits and avoiding the pitfalls//. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer.
 * Chen, L.-C., & Lien, Y.-H. (2011). Using author co-citation analysis to examine the intellectual structure of e-learning: A MIS perspective//. Scientometrics, 89(1)//, 867-886. doi:10.1007/s11192-011-0458-y
 * Donavant, B. W. (2009) The new, modern practice of adult education: Online instruction in a continuing professional education setting. //Adult Education Quarterly, 59(3)//, 227‐ 245. doi: 10.1177/0741713609331546
 * Fletcher, J. D., Tobias, S., & Wisher, R. A. (2007). Learning anytime, anywhere: Advanced distributed learning and the changing face of education. //Educational Research, 36(1)//, 96‐ 102. doi:10.3102/0013189X07300034
 * Huang, E. Y., Lin, S. W., & Huang, T. K. (2012). What type of learning style leads to online participation in the mixed-mode e-learning environment? A study of software usage instruction. //Computers Education, 58(1)//, 338-349. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2011.08.003
 * Kozub, R. M. (2010). An ANOVA analysis of the relationships between business students’ learning styles and effectiveness of web based instruction. //American Journal of Business Education, 3(3)//, 89-98. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
 * Maeroff, G. I. (2003//). A classroom of one//. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan.
 * Martinez, C. E. (2011). Factors affecting effectiveness in e-learning: An analysis in production management courses. //Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 19(3)//, 572-581. Retrieved from http://illiad.ncu.edu/illiad/illiad.dll?SessionID-P134743944M&Action= 10&Form=75&Value-56443
 * Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2001). //Lessons from the cyberspace classroom: The realities of online teaching//. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Inc.
 * Zemke, R., & Zemke, S. (1995). Adult learning: What do we know for sure? //Training, 32//, 69-82. Retrieved from <span class="wiki_link_ext">http://go.galegroup.com.proxy1.ncu.edu/ps/i.do?&id=GALE%7CA17179 010&v=2.1&u=pres1571&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w ||
 * Note from much later:** The Retrieved from EBSCOhost and the one that uses an ncu.edu url are incorrect. In this case, a doi is preferable. If a doi is not available, then a direct url to the article is to be included. If that is not available, APA 6th ed. says that the url to the journal home page should be included.