Assignment: Research paper or case study

Summary

In this assignment you will include an annotated bibliography and submit a research article or academic case study focusing on change with digital technology in education.

• Annotated bibliography : Annotated bibliography of 20 sources (i.e. 10 copied from A1 plus 10 new sources of your choice) totaling about 5000 words (15 pages)
• Word count for Article or Case Study: 4,500 (About 13 - 15 pages excluding references).
• Total marks: 100 expressed as Grade
• Weighting: 100% of Assignment 3 (i.e. 50% of the assignment credits for the course)

Key points

Research paper Ideally you should build on your work from the assignment on the review of change model(s). However, you are free to focus on another dimension or angle of your research topic. As an authentic assignment, students are required to adhere to the author guidelines of the International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, except that the subject of your article does not need to be restricted to open distance learning. However, if you are writing about open learning, you may consider submission to the journal after completing the course. or Case study If you are planning to submit a Case Study we recommend that you have access to detailed information and insights or were intimately involved with the project you will be reporting on. This is an academic case study which means your case study report must be supported by the research literature and adhere to the genre and structure of scholarly writing. Consult the case study guidelines by Andy Gillet or the problem-oriented case study published by Monash University.

Assignment

Annotated bibliography guidelines

1. Prepare an annotated bibliography including a minimum of 10 additional sources to the bibliography you prepared for Assignment 1
2. You should use the suggested format of the Annotated bibliography e-Activity
3. Your bibliography must commence with the heading "Research topic" and a sentence or two summarising the research topic which has guided your analysis of the literature.
4. Your annotated bibliography must include references from authoritative sources. In this bibliography, you should independently identify 10 additional sources which are not included in the indicative reading list and learning materials.

Research article or Case study

You must prepare a research article or academic case study focusing on a problem relating to change with digital technologies in education of a standard acceptable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The aim of the assignment is to provide evidence of your learning and demonstration of your scholarly expertise in one or more change models for digital technology in education.

You are free to select the focus problem for your paper (or case study) but it must focus on change with digital technologies in education or training. We recommend that you align your paper with the research topic you identified at the beginning of the course. Review the key points listed above.

You may find the following useful for planning the structure of your paper or case study.

Suggested structure for Article

Suggested structure for Case Study

Abstract (150-250 words, describing the research problem, the method, the basic findings, the conclusions, and the recommendations). Keywords. Introduction (what is the problem?). Research method and/or theories used; If an application or experiment, a description of the pool of subjects and how they were chosen. Analysis of the research literature and how results impact theory and practice. Findings and recommendations. Conclusion. References.

Executive summary (150-250 words describing the case, research problem, key findings and conclusions or recommendations). Keywords. Introduction (Introduce the case and describe the problem – why the study was undertaken?). Describe the method (How the case was developed, reported and theories used for interpretation.) Document the case and results (What happened in the case example?). Evaluation of resources (Including how they may impact on practice). Recommendations (Recommendations for the future). Conclusion. References.

Assessment rubric

Assessment Dimension	Category	C Level	B Level	A Level	%
Analysis of Literature	Annotated bibliography: Number, format and relevance	Minimum of 10 additional resources included to list from Assignment 1. The annotated bibliography contains a description of the research and concise statement of the research problem. Resources selected are reasonably aligned with the research topic, but evaluation section tends to focus on superficial links.	As for C but evidence that the bibliography and annotations have been filtered through the lens of the research topic as evidenced by the evaluation statements which succeed in identifying key issues. The sources represent a good cross section of research (pros and cons) and are relevant to the selected topic. The quality of sources is clear from the review.	The sources have been judiciously selected to ensure different aspects of the topic are covered. Sources are focused on the chosen topic and context and not merely a list of resources consulted. Learner demonstrates scholarly insight into identifying key issues of the published literature as it relates to the research topic. The evaluations demonstrate thorough and detailed attention to the literature findings.	30
Analysis of Literature	Variety, timeliness, authority/relevance of sources	Most sources from one source type and/or inappropriate mix for the research topic with little attention to contemporary research on the topic. A few inappropriate sources / authorities included.	Most sources are a mix of two source types. Dates of most resources appropriate for the research topic. Mix of authoritative and less authoritative research appropriate for the research topic.	Variety of source types appropriate for the research topic/ case study. Learner demonstrates a contemporary selection of recent research publications appropriate for the study. All sources are from reputable and authoritative publications.	10
Academic writing	Use of references, integration of quotes and in-text citations	A number of citations, quotes or references don’t appear to serve any purpose and seem to be “stuck in”. No evidence of plagiarism or text copied without proper citation. A few quotes are not integrated well. A few citation errors. Overuse of long quotations which appear to be used to aid the word count for the article.	Quotes and references serve a purpose in support of the authors assertions. No evidence of plagiarism or text copied without proper citation. Appropriate use of quotations and references to support the logic and research underpinning the paper.	As for B, but clever and insightful inclusion of in-text citations to support assertions. The student demonstrates scholarly ability in the differentiation of citations and references for: background information supporting the authors thesis or as support for a specific point	20
Academic writing	Paper structure, logic and concept validation	Article / case study was written at an acceptable standard and includes required components (abstract, problem formulation, analysis and discussion and conclusions). The logic of the structure is apparent, but focus, logical flow and linkages can be improved for example, analysis does not provide sufficient justifiable evidence in addressing the research question. Problem statement or analytical responses can be refined, for instance: problem statement is too wide for the scope of the paper, or supporting literature not adequate to justify the assertions. A few superficial or practical elements rather than deeper engagement with concepts and ideas. Some of the conclusions, are not supported in the body of the paper. Only a few unjustified assertions or statements which would ordinarily warrant citation or references. The students demonstrate that they, to a large extent, understand and have applied the concepts learned in the course.	As for C, but the students demonstrate that they have understood and applied relevant concepts learned in the course and show a level of critical insight. The student ties together information from all the sources and the paper flows logically. There is also a logical connection between the conclusion and preceding review without missing key recommendations. The student's writing demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among the research literature, the research topic and own findings. The author strikes an appropriate balance between the introduction, body and conclusion and does not exceed the word count for the article. The topic is focused but the author may not have succeeded in providing a clear and justified personal position on all the necessary dimensions.	As for B, but the students clearly demonstrates that they understand and have applied the concepts learned in the course with a high level of critical and scholarly insight. The research topic is clear, unambiguous and relevant. The author strikes the appropriate balance between breadth and depth for the review. Research that complements, confirms or contradicts is noted. The concepts covered in the article are integrated into the authors own critical insights with appropriate scholarly justification. The concluding remarks illustrate a high level of academic analysis and synthesis of ideas.	30
Communication	Mechanics and writing	The article and annotated bibliography follow the guidelines for structure and content. The article meets most of the author guidelines of the International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning. The sources are referenced in correct APA formatting with only a few errors. Syntax, typographical or spelling errors do not detract from the message.	In addition to that required for a C, the writing is clear and is competently constructed to inform educators with all sources and opinions acknowledged. No spelling syntax or typographical errors. The article is authored to the requirements of the author guidelines of the International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning. The student adheres to APA formatting and style.	The review and bibliography is well constructed, straightforward, clear and of value to academic peers. The formatting follows APA and the work is accurate. The level of writing is consistently high.	10