Clare Madge- University of Leicester. Structure of presentation 1.Background to the project 2.Tour of the site 3.Module detail 4.How can it be used? 5.Evaluation.

Clare Madge- University of Leicester

Structure of presentation

1. Background to the project

2. Tour of the site

3. Module detail

4. How can it be used?

5. Evaluation

1. Project background

• Programme: ESRC Research Methods Programme (Phase 2)

• Period of project: April 04 to July 06• Total amount of award from ESRC: After

indexation: £100,360.59 (1st round)• The project team:

-Clare Madge (Geog) -Henrietta O Connor (CLMS)-Jane Wellens (Educational Developer)-Rob Shaw (Learning Technologist)-Tristram Hooley (PG Training Coordinator)-Julia Meek (Evaluation Consultant)

Project aims1. To produce and evaluate a high-quality

online portal to provide training in online research methods;

2. To act as a self-supporting online resource focusing on web-based questionnaires, virtual synchronous and asynchronous interviews;

3. To draw on successful good practice case studies, cover ethical issues of online research, provide resource links and technical guidance.

Why ORM?

• Training in ORM recognized area of need with a current shortage of provision.

• E.g. recent Consultation Exercise by National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM) and ESRC Postgraduate Training Guidelines (2005).

• Prior to the launch of the “Exploring Online Research Methods” package no training programme in ORM existed.

2. Tour of the site: Key sectionsSite link

ModulesModule index

Type of content

• Methodological complexity• Case studies• Learning activities• Resources• Referencing systems• Print version

3. Module detail- example

http://www.geog.le.ac.uk/orm/index.htm

4. How can site be used?

• Stand alone for individual researcher.• As part of training modules.• Training events- workshops etc. • Characterised by flexibility learning styles and

strategies and differing levels of experience of research in general and on-line methods in particularly.

5. Evaluation

• Critical view• External evaluators. Rigorous evaluation.• Social Science Information Gateway/AoIR• Google statistics:3 month period (3 Apr - date)Requests = 21000 Average request for pages per day 426Distinct hosts served = 6100From 70 countries (30% UK, 18% commercial)• Peer feedback •To be determined? Usage and quality

of research.

www.geog.le.ac.uk/orm

onlinerm@le.ac.uk