Technology-Enhanced Learning: Towards Providing Supports for PhD Students and Researchers in Higher Education

Introduction

This chapter investigates some of the issues which researchers encounter when performing their research and suggests that an e-learning module would assist researchers in overcoming these issues, “with the worldwide spread of journals in educational research, such technology-enhanced research has received much attention since the turn of the century” (Hwang & Tsai, 2011, p. 65). A Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) or an e-learning module on research methods and statistical analysis is envisaged not as a replacement for existing structures to assist researchers, but as an enhancing technological solution to augment existing approaches through blended learning. Technology has enhanced research through the ease of access to electronic journals and other citable electronic media. The use of word processing applications and referencing packages has made the writing up of research findings more efficient. The use of statistical analysis applications, spreadsheets, and database packages, has streamlined the process of analysing data, and the production of graphs and charts to illustrate the findings. The use of graphs and charts has greatly improved the readability and understanding of research outcomes. Communications between co-authors, editors and publishers through e-mail has greatly improved the flow and process of publishing academic research. Online submission of electronic papers has further enhanced the publishing process.

Technology enhanced learning (TEL) refers to the support of teaching and learning through the use of technology and can be used synonymously with e-learning, technology enhanced research has the possibility of supporting researchers and perhaps improving the quality of research. An e-learning module is stored in a predefined location on an e-learning platform and is dedicated to a particular subject area. Students are provided with user names and passwords to access and contribute to this module. Because the e-learning module is online students can access this module at any time from any place providing they have the appropriate computer equipment and broadband access.

While collaborating on papers and writing chapters of books, realisation dawned that a greater knowledge and use of research methods and statistical analysis was necessary to improve the quality of research and meet the requirements of peer reviewers. “Improving the quality of the student learning experience is a key issue in the higher education sector” (Dermo, 2009, p. 203). Power, Miles, Peruzzi, and Voerman (2011), and Parkinson (2009), suggest students can benefit from peer-to-peer mentoring in higher education. Hence, this book chapter proposes that an e-learning module on research methods and statistical analysis which encourages peer-to-peer mentoring could effectively support students and researchers and encourage peer-to-peer mentoring.

“Due to a lack of formal research training and experience, students can find completing research projects a daunting task. This, coupled with a fear of statistics, can culminate in quite an overwhelming experience for many students” (Chen, 2012, p. 1). When one commences study for a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), generally a BSc (Bachelor of Science) and MSc (Master of Science) have already been acquired to a high level of academic achievement, conferred with a First or 2.1 Honours. Research methods and statistical analysis may not necessarily have been included in the subjects covered in the discipline undertaken or possibly some time has passed and a refresher course is required to update skills. Therefore there is perhaps a need for researchers to familiarise themselves with the correct application of research methods and statistical analysis techniques to their specific research area. Some researchers will have a good understanding of research methods and instinctively know which method or combination of methods to apply to specific research, while other researchers may need guidance and support in the correct application of research methods and statistical analysis for specific research undertakings.