Schedule: 2009-09-11 (16:30 - 17:30)
Poster Presentations and Commercial Exhibition (Exhibition Hall)

Title: Hypermedia Ethnography (On a Shoestring!): A new methodology for qualitative research in Languages learning and teaching
Authors: Penelope Coutas
Abstract: New technologies allow for “anywhere, anytime” access to information resources and likewise facilitate the creation of those resources quickly, easily and at point of need. Mobile phones, mp3 players, netbooks, YouTube, blogs, social networks and tagging are just some of the tools available to language learners and educators that have facilitated innovative ways of collaborating and working together. So too have these tools enhanced opportunities for innovation in research.

In this poster, I present the possibilities, practicalities and challenges afforded by new Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools to conduct, analyse, and (re)present qualitative research on Computer Assisted Language Learning. This extends and builds on the work by Dicks, Mason, Coffey & Atkinson (2005) who used hypermedia ethnography as a methodology for research in learning environments by bringing the methodology into the “Web 2.0” era. I draw on findings from my current EdD research project, exploring the use of ICT for learning and teaching Languages in technology-enhanced and supported government high schools in Western Australia, to provide examples. Throughout the research process I have made great use of ICT tools and services, raising questions such as: how can an iPhone be used for data collection? Should it? Does blogging aid or restrict the research process? How is data best stored and access online? Do participants engage more fully in the research process when they have anytime access to their data? What are the important ethical issues that arise, unique to this methodology, and how might they be addressed?

This poster may pose many questions, but I also offer recommendations and suggestions for further developments and explorations in this area. Hypermedia ethnography represents a new trend for research in computer assisted language learning: one of great potential, and one that certainly facilitates innovative ways of collaborating and working together with both research participants and the broader research community.

References:

Dicks, B., Mason, B., Coffey, A. J., & Atkinson, P. A. (2005). Qualitative Research and Hypermedia: Ethnography for the Digital Age. London: Sage Publications Ltd.
Keywords: methodology, qualitative research, iphone, online data archiving, ethics, hypermedia ethnography, blogging

Main topic: Research in new language learning environments

Biodata: Penelope is currently studying towards a Doctorate of Education at Murdoch University, Western Australia. Her research involves exploring the use of ICTs for learning and teaching Languages in technology-enhanced government schools. Penelope’s main teaching area is high school Indonesian, and she is keen to network and collaborate with colleagues world-wide.
Type of presentation Poster

Paper category Research

Target educational sector Further education

Language of delivery English

Schedule:	2009-09-11 (16:30 - 17:30) Poster Presentations and Commercial Exhibition (Exhibition Hall)
Title:	Hypermedia Ethnography (On a Shoestring!): A new methodology for qualitative research in Languages learning and teaching
Authors:	Penelope Coutas
Abstract:	New technologies allow for “anywhere, anytime” access to information resources and likewise facilitate the creation of those resources quickly, easily and at point of need. Mobile phones, mp3 players, netbooks, YouTube, blogs, social networks and tagging are just some of the tools available to language learners and educators that have facilitated innovative ways of collaborating and working together. So too have these tools enhanced opportunities for innovation in research. In this poster, I present the possibilities, practicalities and challenges afforded by new Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools to conduct, analyse, and (re)present qualitative research on Computer Assisted Language Learning. This extends and builds on the work by Dicks, Mason, Coffey & Atkinson (2005) who used hypermedia ethnography as a methodology for research in learning environments by bringing the methodology into the “Web 2.0” era. I draw on findings from my current EdD research project, exploring the use of ICT for learning and teaching Languages in technology-enhanced and supported government high schools in Western Australia, to provide examples. Throughout the research process I have made great use of ICT tools and services, raising questions such as: how can an iPhone be used for data collection? Should it? Does blogging aid or restrict the research process? How is data best stored and access online? Do participants engage more fully in the research process when they have anytime access to their data? What are the important ethical issues that arise, unique to this methodology, and how might they be addressed? This poster may pose many questions, but I also offer recommendations and suggestions for further developments and explorations in this area. Hypermedia ethnography represents a new trend for research in computer assisted language learning: one of great potential, and one that certainly facilitates innovative ways of collaborating and working together with both research participants and the broader research community. References: Dicks, B., Mason, B., Coffey, A. J., & Atkinson, P. A. (2005). Qualitative Research and Hypermedia: Ethnography for the Digital Age. London: Sage Publications Ltd.
Keywords:	methodology, qualitative research, iphone, online data archiving, ethics, hypermedia ethnography, blogging
Main topic:	Research in new language learning environments
Biodata:	Penelope is currently studying towards a Doctorate of Education at Murdoch University, Western Australia. Her research involves exploring the use of ICTs for learning and teaching Languages in technology-enhanced government schools. Penelope’s main teaching area is high school Indonesian, and she is keen to network and collaborate with colleagues world-wide.
Type of presentation	Poster
Paper category	Research
Target educational sector	Further education
Language of delivery	English