more blathering

It's amazing how putting down research for a period of time (ok in my case a long period of time) and then picking it back up again makes you pretty much have to start from scratch. I've picked up the learning orientation research again in order to get the never-ending article finished. And since it has been a while, I really had to re-do a lot of the analysis to get a grip on what we had been doing previously.

However, it has also been nice to do this without other school projects hanging over head (home remodeling projects have been hanging over my head, causing me to inhale dust, etc., but that is another story). I think I am getting a much better grasp on the research and have been inspired to look further because I'm not quite as distracted right now (although I really think sometimes I have Adult ADD..........maybe I should look up the symptoms............no wait finish the blog entry first - FOCUS, FOCUS!)

Anyway, we seem to have some findings that are contrary to previous research in the areas of learning orientation and sense of community. I'll share these findings tomorrow, along with potential research questions for the next round of research on learning orientation. I'd definitely like to get your input!

Possible extension of current research

I was just reading an article by Zimmerman about self regulation in learning. Concerning the ongoing research on Learning Orientation and Sense of Community in Online and Classroom sections of an Educational Foundations Course, how might self efficacy play a part?

We are already talking about adding motivation to learn as a variable. Might self efficacy (or perhaps computer self-efficacy) be another interesting variable?
Questions to ask might include - Is there a relationship between learning orientation and motivation?
A relationship between LO and self-efficacy? between motivation and self-efficacy? etc?

Steven has already used this sample for testing computer self efficacy as it relates to the Online Student Orientation. But what about either computer self efficacy as it relates to learning Blackboard, ppt, word, etc? Or perhaps just self-efficacy as it relates to the course?

If learning orientation, motivation and self-efficacy are situational, are they also related? And what does that mean for designing online and classroom based courses?

Just random thoughts at this point.

Blathering on my Blog

Well, last night's meeting definitely motivated me to really get going on my research. Although I have a proposal already written, it needs some serious updating and the literature review needs a good deal of work. Also, I may want to expand the study so that it is not exclusively qualitative.

Beyond that, I need to finish the research/article we were working on this spring!

I know myself - and probably the most important thing I can do right now is begin making a schedule - what I have to do, when, and how long it should take. Without the schedule - I am wandering in the Dismal Swamp in the dark without a map or flashlight!