Course Background at Salford University

Chapter 4 Result and Data Analysis in Salford University Context

The purpose of this chapter is to analyse the results of the research conducted at Salford University using action case research approach, as explained in Chapter 3. The unified conceptual framework described in Chapter 2 is used to guide the researcher to analyse the data.

1.23. Course Background at Salford University

This research was conducted at Salford University where the researcher was studying Information Systems master program. In this program, in the first semester the students followed three modules using face-to-face methods traditional methods and one module, Virtual Organising module, using Web based teaching and learning technology in deliberating teaching. The module used an online course developed in Learning Space by the module lecturer for about three months. The Learning Space application from Lotus Notes depicted in Appendix A was used to support the module. The lecturer has used many facilities from this application such as the Schedule, the Profiles, the Media Center and the Course Discussion, which consist of the Course Room Discussion and the Course Work Discussion to support the module. The students got facilities of free Internet access from Salford University 24 hours a day, at the Academic Information Service AIS facilities. In Salford University, AIS provide computer facilities including computer laboratories, email, and Internet access for all students. In conducting the action case research, the researcher joined as part of students in Virtual Organising module. There was six students, including the researcher, who have joined actively with this module until its completion. There was a cultural diversity among the students as some of the students come from different countries, i.e. United Kingdom, Uganda, Libya and Indonesia. The researcher together with the fellow students, guided by the lecturer who has significant experience in supporting teaching and learning using Web based teaching and learning technology, have tried to use the technology effectively to gain learning. Once a week for about 3 months, the students had one timetabled 2 hours session to access the site of Virtual Organising module together in the same computer room. In order to control and monitor the progress using the technology, occasionally the lecturer gave teaching support in laboratory and conducted face-to-face meeting with the students. To follow Virtual Organising module efficiently, the researcher had involved in face-to-face meeting together with fellow students to discuss the plan, the assignment, and shared task for improvement in Web-based teaching and learning technology usage. Guidance from the lecturer in the face-to-face meeting was also useful in improving student progress.

1.24. Action Case Research in Salford University Context