Research Reflection

When this course began just 7 short weeks ago, I can say undoubtedly, that I was full of anxiety and uncertainty as to how I would manage the course. I was not a fan of research; however, I have become quite interested in the practical considerations as well as the various methods of research and data collection. Over the past few weeks, I have even utilized and applied what I have learned into my daily work. I am currently researching and conducting an E-learning pilot project with child care center-based staff. Our Cincinnati office staff conducted this project in their service delivery area with family child care providers a couple of months ago. When I suggested testing the study with program staff I stressed the importance of using the same course, same structure, and same time frame so that we were studying a consistent measure. I feel strongly that this study will provide us with a variation of feedback to assist us as we prepare to design and implement E-learning professional development opportunities for our combined region.

This being said, I certainly met some challenges throughout this course. Though I was very familiar with conducting a literature review, I struggled to find solid literature to support my research simulation topic. A positive challenge that occurred for me as well was learning some of the technical terms in which to keep me on the journey of refining my topic and research study questions. Things really seemed to gel for me in week 5. 

Thank you to all my colleagues and peers on this research journey. You have all provided me with great support and wonderful ideas to challenge my thinking over the past 8 weeks. I’m sure we will meet again in future courses.