Research and Evaluation

The MoLeNET initiative consists, in 2007/08, of 32 shared cost projects financed jointly by the Learning and Skills Council and participating institutions. The projects are supported by LSN’s MoLeNET Support and Evaluation Programme. This programme provides various support, mentoring, continuing professional development and networking services and facilitates some central procurement of learning materials and tools as well as sharing of outputs from the projects. Another strand of the programme is research and evaluation activities with the overall aims to investigate:

how colleges and consortia partners use mobile learning to improve teaching and learning
the impact of mobile learning on learners, teachers and institutions
whether mobile learning can help to improve retention, achievement and progression

The research and evaluation strategy also recognises that each of the 32 projects have their own aims and objectives and that these vary considerably dependent upon the learners involved, the learning contexts, the subjects and level concerned, the technologies and pedagogy being employed and local priorities being addressed. Therefore the Research and Evaluation strategy has at its heart 32 practitioner-led action research projects the findings of which feed into a comprehensive national evaluation as illustrated in the following diagram:

View larger version of LSN training and assistance diagram.

The MoLeNET Action Research definition

A research approach with the fundamental aim to help professionals (teachers, managers) to improve practice and to understand change processes. Using a cyclical process to diagnose issues for investigation, plan research strategies, implement, review and reflect upon findings.

Presentation: Research, Evaluation and Action Research – what and why?

Continuing Professional Development and Support

Each of the 32 MoLeNET projects has a nominated Lead Practitioner Researcher (LPR) and there is considerable potential for these colleagues to share knowledge and provide peer-to-peer support for each other. Also the role of practitioner researchers is new to some LPR colleagues and some have limited recent experience of selecting and implementing research methods. Therefore a programme of support and continuing professional development (CPD) has been developed. This programme includes:

Face to face events
On-line events
Advice, assistance, peer-to-peer support, knowledge and resource sharing delivered through on-site visits and via the moodle
Knowledge sharing seminar

Events

Practitioner Researchers Induction and Action Research Planning Workshop
3 December 2007, repeated on 10 January 2008

Action Research Implementation Workshop
29 January 2008

Action Research Reflection Workshop
Date to be advised

Research Methods Workshops
Research Methods 1 - 8 February 2008, to be repeated – date to be confirmed

Research Methods 2 - 11 February 2008, to be repeated – date to be confirmed

On-Line Action Research event
29 February 2008, 2 x one hour sessions:
11am – 12 The Dilemmas of the Insider Researcher
2pm – 3pm Action Research and Change

Knowledge Café Event
July 2008, exact date to be confirmed