1. How are participants in the edonis project dealing with new relationships, data, and spaces arising from their Personal Learning Network?
David Noble, Chartered Teacher and EdD student (2nd Year)
School of Education, University of Edinburgh
edonis project
The edonis project
An emerging issue and central category …
Grounded Theory methodology
I have analysed three edonis interviews using a Grounded Theory methodology, aiming to develop an analytical framework around how people deal with their personal learning network (PLN).
Implications of this approach:
Constant comparison with data from other contexts
constant movement between data and categories
code only talk from each of the three interviews
use memo-writing and line-by-line coding
identifying a common issue around which concepts emerge
recognise preconceptions.
A common issue is one’s personal learning network. I interpreted that each is wrestling with the what, why, when, where, how, and with whom around these new relationships, spaces, and forms of data.
I set-up the edonis project in October My intention was to generate interest around future doctoral research into how learning professionals are using the social web for professional development.
One hundred and twenty-five educators signed-up to participate, with 85% joining the Ning online network. This gives them access to: each other, the latest blog posts from many participants, and edited interviews.
Initially, pilot surveys were issued monthly. This has enabled me to sensitise myself around participants’:
Uses of the social web
online professional development
learning networks
historic and projected use of ICT use.
Conducting interviews using new technologies
Key online spaces
I considered that:
Participants would require a reason to continue to engage with or visit the edonis Ning website, and
a high number of participants were interested in being interviewed.
Therefore, the edited interviews are made available on the website and are a potential source of CPD to educators.
Interviews are conducted via ‘voice over internet protocol’ (VoIP) and follow these steps:
Interviewees complete an online survey in preparation
we discuss the focus of the interview via
I conduct the interview using Skype and Pamela call recorder
the interview is edited using Audacity
the mp3 file is uploaded to a private webspace for review
permission to broadcast is given and the edited interview is published online.
… subcategories, properties and dimensions
The following websites encourage: participation in the research, constructivist activity, innovative data collection, and open access to the research process and certain data.
The project’s social network which also features regular updates
A blog to which I post essays from my EdD taught-phase and reflections on the ‘preparation for thesis’ stage
Booruch is the podcast channel where I have posted my education reflections for the past four years. All edited research interviews are hosted here
A new space that I have created with John Johnston. It enables the posting of audio using mobile devices and could be a key method of data collection.
Contact information