As encouraged, this project is progressing in tandem with my chosen topic for my dissertation this semester. Earlier today we submitted our proposal for our essay and I thought it would be a good idea to post my progress of that here too.
Proposed topic
Secondary education in Malaysian government schools is primitive and does not exploit technological advances over the past decade. This prevents teachers from focussing on higher order tasks and students from reaching their maximum potential by being prepared for the 21st century. I want to explore the possibilities of interactive digital media and its ability to enhance the learning experience of students today.
Scope of enquiry
Education has a never-ending list of problems and areas of exploration, so focus is key. I have decided to narrow my scope to Malaysian secondary level government school classrooms in urban areas and interactive digital media technologies that exist and can be implemented practically today such as Flash.
Proposed research question
Exploring interactive digital media’s ability to enhance the learning experience of secondary level students today.
Relevance of enquiry to personal practice
My ideal final project would be a classroom of the future, but with technology and methods that are available today. Going through the academic process of researching and writing a dissertation on the proposed question would provide me with invaluable information and experience. This will prepare me not only for my final project, but also for future endeavours as I venture further into my shifting career path. It will help put my ideas into practical perspectives and I will not be hindered by ignorance of the education industry.
Proposed enquiry outcomes
I plan for my enquiries to lead me to define the problems of secondary level government school classrooms in Malaysia. I also intend to discover theories and academic studies that will improve my understanding of education and the benefits and detriments interactive digital media may have on the teaching and learning experience for secondary level students compared to today’s methods.
Assessment of feasibility
Although challenging the well-established norms of education is a complicated task, it is an area in need of change. Narrowing my scope will allow me to focus on specifics and make it possible to come to solid conclusions. Over the past few years, there have been efforts made to reform standard education methods and this has led to the production of numerous academic sources and existing projects that can serve as sources and examples. In addition, pursuing this topic does not require anything extravagant or implausible, as in, contacting relevant parties such as teachers is possible, research sources are readily available, and it does not include any kind of exorbitant expense. One issue may arise due to the age group of secondary students. Being under 18, I may need to interact with minors, I may also need to interview teachers if sufficient information cannot be sourced, which will require me to get ethical permission from The University of Hertfordshire.
Timeline
Primary research and enquiry will run from 5th June until 19th June. This includes reading research materials, interviews, analysis, and sourcing any further information available.
A skeleton based on research outcomes will be prepared by the 3rd of July. This skeleton will outline the content that I intend to discuss and explore within the essay and critique from this will help me focus on what is important.
The first draft will be prepared by the 24th of July. This will be a partially complete essay, incomplete, in terms of language and content. Critique from this draft will be used to enhance the essay.
The second draft will be presented on the 7th of August. At this point the essay is practically complete and can be submitted, however, it may still contain flaws and can be improved.
I will have a final check on the 21st of August to ensure everything is in order and my essay is as perfected as it can be.
Finished essay submission on Tuesday, 28th August 2012.
List of initial sources
Blasik, K., Williams, R. G., Johnson, J., & Boegli, D. R. (2003) ‘The Marriage of Rigorous Academics and Technical Instruction with State-of-the-Art Technology: A Success Story of the William T. McFatter Technical High School’. The High School Journal. 87(2). pp. 44-55.
[A success story of a new technical high school that prioritises smaller but more computer-oriented classes.]
Denner, J., Werner, L., Bean, S., & Campe, S. (2005) ‘The Girls Creating Games Program: Strategies for Engaging Middle-School Girls in Information Technology’. Frontiers: A Journal of Women Studies. 26(1). pp. 90-98.
[Exploration of video game related activity as a gateway to higher technological competence amongst females.]
Dye, J. F. (2003) ‘From Values Based on Simplicity and Standardization Toward the Realities Found In Complexity and Contingency: A Particular View for High School During the 21st Century’. The High School Journal. 87(2). pp. 1-6.
[Exploring problems with the current concept of school and the benefits of reformation.]
Li, X., Atkins, M. S., & Stanton, B. (2006) ‘Effects of Home and School Computer Use on School Readiness and Cognitive Development Among Head Start Children: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial’. Merrill-Palmer Quarterly. 52(2). pp. 239-263.
[This study includes the effects of early computer use by children on their cognitive and psychomotor skills.]
Liu, C. C., Chou, C. C., Liu, B. J., & Yang, Y. W. (2006) ‘Improving Mathematics Teaching and Learning Experiences for Hard of Hearing Students With Wireless Technology-Enhanced Classrooms’. American Annals of the Deaf. 151(3). pp. 345-355.
[A paper on how wireless technology improves disabled children’s learning experience.]
Williams, T. (2009) ‘Multimedia Learning Gets Medieval’. Pedagogy. 9(1). pp. 77-95.
[How multimedia can improve the communication of classic literature to modern generations.]