This was my first attempt at the new Scientific Merit Review form for my PhD dissertation in IDOL with Capella University. It's a new format that hopefully will help me to expedite the process. I'm posting my first attempt here. In a later post, I'm going to share some of my own analysis. The form has been submitted by my mentor and committee chairperson to the Chair of the Instructional Design for Online Learning specialization for approval. This first approval is primarily for the topic. The next submission is to the SMR board for approval of the research. Here's what I have so far:
1.2 Proprosed Dissertation Title: Impact of a Constructivist Approach to Software Training Design
1.3 Research Topic: This study will explore the effect of the application of constructivist design elements to productivity software training.
1.4 Research Problem: Behavior modeling is the most common pedagogical approach to software training; however, it is inefficient and ineffective in a business environment where the user must become proficient in a relatively short amount of time.
1.5 Research Purpose: The intent of this study is to provide data showing whether a constructivist approach incorporating several tools such as interactive online learning, concept mapping, learning objects, instructional software templates, case-based learning, team competencies, and peer review can help the user become more proficient with productivity software use in a shorter amount of time.
1.6 Research Question(s): To what extent does a constructivist approach to software training impact user proficiency?
1.7 Literature Review Section: Constructivist theory fosters problem solving and conceptual development and is intended for ill-defined or ill-structured situations where the learner assumes ownership for the problem. Instruction designed from this theory often consists of experiences that promote or facilitate knowledge construction and is active and authentic. It uses related cases or worked examples toenable case-based reasoning and provides learner selectable information. It often incorporates cognitive tools that provide scaffolding for the required skills and also provides social/contextual support for the learning environment, including conversation and collaboration tools.
Constructivism has its roots in the cognitive and developmental perspectives of Piaget, the interactional and cultural emphases of Bruner and Vygotsky, and the contextual nature of learning found in Jonassen, among others.
The literature review for this study will be primarily directed to adult learning and software training, especially in a corporate environment, although key principles will be culled as well from higher education and even secondary education environments. Key topics and themes will include collaborative learning, ill-structured problem solving, authentic instruction, and workplace learning as applied to software training.
1.8 Need for the Study: One commonality in may studies about the effectiveness of different instructional design approaches is the tendency on the part of the learner to engage in "surface" learning. Learners tend to assimilate just enough "factual" data in order to pass whatever "test" is used to verify their successful achievement of the learning objectives or goals. Especially in business or corporate settings, they experience a general introduction to the topic, which is usually their job and more often than not involves the use of computer software with which t hey are usually unfamiliar. They are expected to become more proficient with time and experience. In cases where a more seasoned worker is required to mentor or peer-coach them, this creates a further drain on productivity until the "new" person is able to function on their own. This study will explore ways in which instructional design of software training based on constructivist theory instead of behavior modeling can enhance the learner's proficiency expeditiously.
2.0 Methodology: This study will employ a descriptive approach. It will begin with the design, development, and implementation of a tutorial for productivity software using constructivist principles and techniques for presentation. The training will be placed in an online venue for interaction with a volunteer sample. Following completion of the tutorial, or a portion thereof, the learner will be asked to complete a Level 1 survey on the merits of the training or lack thereof. The results will be analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS.
In my next post, I will list the references for the current state of my literature view.
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