How are learners in grade 3 using technology in a free-choice situation?
The grounded theory approach is necessary for answering this question. The grounded theory model is used when the hypothesis is made on the basis of the collected data (Cohen, Manion, & Morrison, 2011). In this situation, to propose a hypothesis, it is important to use such data analysis methods as questionnaires and observation. The objective of the analysis is to define the themes of how 3-grade learners use technology in a free-choice situation through open and axial coding.
The main data collection tool is the questionnaires. In such a way, the questionnaire for the 3-grade learners is to include questions of (i) what technology they use most often, (ii) in what situation do they use it. Since the questionnaires are a structured form of the interview, they are to be analyzed with the help of the axial coding. It means that the data in the form of the learners’ answers will be put into the larger categories to identify more generalized themes. However, it is important to ensure the objectivity of the research, for example, by applying such data analysis method as the observation (Creswell, 2012).
What is the relationship between playing Angry Birds and achievements in mathematics?
For researching this problem, the correlational study approach needs to be used for determining the co-relatedness between two phenomena (Cohen et al., 2011). In other words, each variable should be studied not separately, but in their cohesive interrelatedness. The data collection tool is the interviewing. The questions on the interviews are to deal with the examining of two variables. The two variables for this study are the academic performance in mathematics and the fact of playing or not playing the game of Angry Birds. For determining the correlation between these variables the statistical method of finding the coefficient of correlation R is used (Cohen et al., 2011). Thus, the correlation may be positive and negative. For example, if the more successful students are at learning mathematics, the less they play Angry Birds, the correlation is negative. However, if the results indicate, that with the rising achievements in mathematics increases the amount of time spent on playing Angry Birds, the correlation, it means that the correlation is positive. If among the students with high academic achievements are many of both those who play Angry Birds and those who do not, it means that one variable does not determine the other, and there is no correlation between the phenomena.
What technology do learners prefer to use to access course related materials?
The qualitative approach to the study that needs to be used for this research presupposes the subjectivity of the results caused by the non-generalizable nature of the collected data. The method of data collection is the interviews. There is a small sample in this study and results can be subjective because they do not represent the generalized circumstances. Each learner has his or her subjective reasons for using certain kind of technology for accessing course related materials. For example, some students would prefer to access the materials from mobile devices, if there were a convenient mobile application, etc. However, the qualitative study is to define the reasons behind the learners’ preferences, and the researcher can manipulate the collected data to make the case for the hypothesis. Thus, in this case, the variables can be manipulated, for example, to indicate the necessity of introducing the mobile application for accessing the materials.
References
Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2011). Research methods in education. New York, NY: Routledge.
Creswell, J. W. (2012). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. New York, NY: Sage.