What is research in education? And what is it for in a digital age?
Reflecting upon these questions, this engaging introduction provides
critical discussion about the dilemmas of researching education in the
digital age and ways forward for research in this complex area.
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Research Methods for Education in the Digital Age* begins by outlining
forms of education that are seen as digital, such as virtual, blended,
immersive learning and examining the extent to which these are different
or just adapted versions of earlier methods and approaches to education.
Maggi Savin-Baden and Gemma Tombs explore current practices in research,
identifying the successful adoption and adaption of theories and present
practical guidance on new and emerging methodologies, methods, and
analytical practices for undertaking educational research. New
methodologies discussed include digital arts-based inquiry and digital
visual methodologies, as well as adaptations of widely used
methodologies such as ethnography, for the specific needs of researching
digital teaching and learning.
The book outlines the major challenges faced by today's digital
researchers, exploring approaches to digital ethics, the relationship
between qualitative and quantitative data in the digital age, digital
data representations and portrayal and suggests helpful ways of dealing
with the complexities and ethical challenges of undertaking research in
and for digital spaces. Using case studies, research tips, a glossary
and annotated further reading, the authors take a step by step approach
from conceptualizing the research ideas, selecting the appropriate
method to the dissemination of the findings.
At a time when education is changing rapidly with digital and
technological advances, Research Methods for Education in the Digital
Age is essential reading for researchers wanting to undertake sound and
rigorous research in the digital domain.
