Module 7: Dissertation

Status: In progress…

Grade:

My research proposal has been approved and I have been assigned a dissertation tutor. You can read the proposal here: ER Assignment.

My research question is:

“To what extent can virtual courses support the development of independent learning beyond ‘real time’ curriculum delivery?”

With the following subsidiary questions:

  1. Can virtual courses effectively develop skills/attributes, recognised as being absent in learners beginning undergraduate courses?
  2. Can virtual courses be entirely independent or is there a preference for face-to-face interaction between learner and educator?
    • Model 1: A combination face-to-face interaction with the teacher alongside the virtual course. The teacher sets the pace of the learning and decides the learning path.
    • Model 2: Virtual course only. Interaction is encouraged between learners with minimal text-based (electronic) interaction with the teacher (Email/Twitter). The learners set their own pace and decide their own path.
  3. Is there a relationship between results achieved and participants preferred model?
  4. Does either model result in any immediate impact on students’ learning at A-Level?
  5. Which of the two models is most effective in developing learner independence/interdependence?

Like the previous two modules, I will be writing my dissertation in a Google Document. You can follow my progress here: Draft Dissertation.

You can view the course here: Critical Skills 101