Session 1: Digital and Social Media Services for applied research in VET

Learning Objectives:

• Develop strategies to effectively conduct an impactful applied research in VET
• Understand the most suitable digital and social services to be applied in VET assignment

Applied research in Vocational Education and Training (VET) often involves a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, methods, data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings, but it’s important to select the most appropriate digital tools for the different stages of this research process.

Below are some of the most effective services and tools to effectively conduct an impactful applied research in VET:

Digital and Social Services

1.  Literature Review and Reference Management
   • Zotero: A free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share research.
   • Mendeley: A reference manager and academic social network that helps organize research, collaborate online, and discover the latest research.
2. Survey and Data Collection
   • Qualtrics: A robust survey tool that allows for complex survey designs and data analysis.
   • Google Forms:A free, user-friendly tool for creating surveys and questionnaires.
   • SurveyMonkey:Another popular tool for creating surveys with various templates and question types.
3. Qualitative Data Analysis
   • NVivo: A qualitative data analysis (QDA) software that helps you to organize, analyze, and find insights in unstructured or qualitative data like interviews, open-ended survey responses, and articles.
   • Atlas.ti: A powerful workbench for the qualitative analysis of large bodies of textual, graphical, audio, and video data.
4. Quantitative Data Analysis
   • SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences): A software package used for interactive, or batched, statistical analysis.
   • R Studio: A programming language and free software environment for statistical computing and graphics.
   • Python: A programming language that is widely used for data analysis and machine learning (libraries like pandas, NumPy, and SciPy are particularly useful).
5. Data Visualization
   • Tableau: A powerful data visualization tool that is easy to use and helps create interactive and shareable dashboards.
   • Power BI: Microsoft’s business analytics service that provides interactive visualizations and business intelligence capabilities.
   • D3.js: A JavaScript library for producing dynamic, interactive data visualizations in web browsers.
6. Collaboration and Project Management
   • Trello: A web-based list-making application designed for project management.
   • Asana: A web and mobile application designed to help teams organize, track, and manage their work.
   • Slack: A messaging app for teams that need to communicate and collaborate in real time.
   • Admin Project: collaboration platform that puts all the tools you could need to replicate your project in an on-line workspace
   • Basecamp: collaboration and management platform, allowing private conversations, reports, timelines, task splitting and more
7. Writing and Publishing
   • Microsoft Word / Google Docs: Standard tools for writing and collaborating on documents.
   • LaTeX: A document preparation system used for high-quality typesetting, particularly for complex documents like research papers.
   • Overleaf: An online LaTeX editor that allows for real-time collaboration.
8. Presentation and Dissemination
   • Microsoft PowerPoint / Google Slides: Popular tools for creating presentations.
   • Prezi: A presentation tool that uses motion, zoom, and spatial relationships to bring your ideas to life.
   • YouTube / Vimeo: Platforms for sharing video presentations and tutorials.

Intregrating These Tools

• Zotero or Mendeley can be integrated with writing tools like Microsoft Word or Google Docs for easy citation management.
• NVivo and SPSS can be used in tandem where qualitative and quantitative analyses are required, respectively.
• Tableau or Power BI can be used to visualize data analyzed with R or Python.

Using these tools appropriately will depend on the specific requirements of the applied VET research project, including the type of data collected, the analysis methods used, and the way research findings are spread.

George, Elizabeth (2023) “Top 16 Digital Tools That Every Researcher Should Know About”

In this comprehensive article, we have compiled a list of 16 useful online tools for researchers at various stages of the research journey. These tools will streamline your research process, help you stay organized, and provide you with easy access to the information you need. From reference management software to digital libraries, these cutting-edge tools cater to the needs of both experienced and novice researchers alike. Whether you’re working on a major research project or just starting out, this blog will help you get ahead of the curve and make your research journey a tad bit easier.

Article

Tips for Effective and Impactful applied research in VET – Key Activities:

Applied research in Vocational Education and Training (VET) is crucial for improving educational practices, policies, and outcomes. Here are some tips to guide you through this research process in order to conduct effective and impactful applied research, contributing to the improvement of educational practices and outcomes.

1.   Define Clear Research Objectives:
   • Identify the Problem: Clearly articulate the problem you aim to address.
   • Set Specific Goals: Establish what you want to achieve with your research, such as improving teaching methods, curriculum development, or understanding student outcomes.
2. Engage Stakeholders:
   • Collaborate with Practitioners: Work closely with educators, trainers, and industry professionals to ensure your research is grounded in real-world challenges.
   • Include Students: Gather insights and feedback from students to understand their perspectives and needs.
   • Policy Makers: Engage with policy makers to ensure your research aligns with current educational policies and can influence future decisions.
3. Use Mixed Methods:
   • Quantitative Data: Utilize surveys, standardized tests, and statistical methods to gather numerical data.
   • Qualitative Data: Conduct interviews, focus groups, and observations to collect in-depth insights.
4. Leverage Technology:
   • Digital Tools: Utilize appropriate digital tools for data collection, analysis, and dissemination. For example, use NVivo for qualitative data analysis and SPSS or R for quantitative analysis.
   • Online Surveys: Tools like Qualtrics or Google Forms can streamline the survey process and reach a wider audience.
5. Ensure Ethical Considerations:
   • Informed Consent: Make sure participants are fully aware of the research purpose and give their informed consent.
   • Confidentiality: Protect the privacy and confidentiality of your participants’ data.
   • Ethical Approval: Obtain necessary approvals from institutional review boards or ethics committees.
6. Focus on Practical Outcomes:
   • Actionable Insights: Aim to provide recommendations that can be practically implemented to improve VET practices.
   • Policy Implications: Consider how your findings can influence policy and lead to systemic changes.
7. Pilot Testing:
   • Pre-test Instruments: Test your data collection instruments (surveys, interview guides) on a small scale to ensure they are effective and understandable.
   • Refine Methods: Use pilot testing to refine your research methods before full-scale implementation.
8. Data Analysis and Interpretation:
   • Rigorous Analysis: Apply appropriate analytical techniques and be thorough in your interpretation of the data.
   • Triangulation: Use multiple data sources or methods to verify findings and enhance validity.
9. Disseminate Findings:
   • Reports and Publications: Write detailed reports and consider publishing your findings in academic journals or industry publications.
   • Presentations: Share your results through conferences, seminars, and webinars.
   • Executive Summaries: Create concise summaries for stakeholders who may not have the time to read full reports.
10. Reflect and Iterate:
    • Continuous Improvement: Reflect on the research process and outcomes to identify areas for improvement in future studies.
    • Adaptation: Be prepared to adapt your methods and approaches based on feedback and evolving needs in the VET sector.
11. Build Partnerships:
    • Network: Build relationships with other researchers, institutions, and organizations in the VET field.
    • Collaborative Projects: Engage in collaborative research projects to pool resources and expertise.
12. Stay Updated:
    • Current Trends: Stay informed about the latest trends, technologies, and methodologies in VET.
    • Professional Development: Participate in workshops, courses, and professional development opportunities to enhance your research skills.

Grzegorz, Bryda and António Pedro Costa (2023) ” Qualitative Research in Digital Era: Innovations, Methodologies and Collaborations” in Social Sciences, vol.12, issue 10.

This article critically reflects on qualitative research and the qualitative computer data analysis process, emphasizing its significance in harnessing digital opportunities and shaping collaborative work. Using our extensive analytical and research project experience, the last research results, and a literature review, we try to show the impact of new technologies and digital possibilities on our thinking. We also try to do the qualitative data analysis. The essence of this procedure is a dialectical interplay between the new world of digital technology and the classic methodology. The use of digital possibilities in qualitative research practices shapes the researcher’s identity and their analytical and research workshop. Moreover, it teaches collaborative thinking and teamwork and fosters the development of new analytical, digital, and Information Technology (IT) skills. Imagining contemporary qualitative research and data analysis in the humanities and social sciences is difficult. Opening to modern technologies in computer-based qualitative data analysis shapes our interpretation frameworks and changes the optics and perception of research problems.

Article

Activity 1: Example Workflow for developing an online survey for applied research in VET

Conducting an online survey for applied research in Vocational Education and Training (VET) involves several key steps and the use of specific digital tools to ensure data collection is efficient, effective, and provides meaningful insights. Here’s a step-by-step workflow along with recommended tools:

1. Define Clear Research Objectives
   • Clarify Goals: Identify what you aim to discover or achieve with your survey.
   • Target Audience: Determine who your respondents will be (e.g., students, educators, employers).
2. Design the Survey
   • Question Types: Use a mix of multiple-choice, Likert scale, open-ended, and demographic questions.
   • Question Clarity: Ensure questions are clear, concise, and free from bias.
   • Survey Length: Keep the survey short and focused to avoid respondent fatigue.
3. Choose the Right Digital Tools
   • Survey Platforms: Select an online survey tool that suits your needs. Recommended tools include:
     • Qualtrics: Offers advanced survey design features and powerful analytics.
     • Google Forms: User-friendly, free, and integrates well with other Google Workspace tools.
     • SurveyMonkey: Provides a variety of question types and templates.
     • Microsoft Forms: Integrated with Office 365, good for creating surveys quickly.
4. Pilot the Survey
   • Test Run: Conduct a pilot survey with a small group to identify any issues or ambiguities.
   • Feedback: Collect feedback from pilot respondents and make necessary adjustments.
5. Distribute the Survey
   • Distribution: Send the survey link via Mailchimp for email campaigns or directly through Google Workspace to your target audience.
   • Social Media: Share the survey on social media platforms relevant to your audience (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook groups).
   • VET Institutions: Collaborate with VET institutions to distribute the survey through their channels.
6. Monitor Responses
   • Track Progress: Use the survey tool’s analytics to monitor response rates and follow up if necessary.
   • Reminders: Send reminder emails to encourage participation from those who have not yet responded.
7. Data Analysis
   • Data Cleaning: Review responses to ensure data quality, removing incomplete or inconsistent answers.
   • Quantitative Analysis: Use tools like SPSS, R, or Excel for statistical analysis.
   • Qualitative Analysis: For open-ended responses, use NVivo or Atlas.ti to identify themes and patterns.
8. Report Findings
   • Visualization Tools: Use Tableau, Power BI, or Google Data Studio to create visual representations of your data.
   • Reporting: Compile your findings into a detailed report, including charts, graphs, and key insights, using Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
   • Dissemination: Share the report with stakeholders through email, webinars, or presentations.
9. Ensure Ethical Considerations
   • Informed Consent: Include a consent form at the beginning of the survey explaining the purpose, how data will be used, and ensuring confidentiality.
   • Data Protection: Ensure the survey tool complies with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR), using built-in features of tools like Qualtrics.
10. Reflect and Iterate
    • Review Process: Reflect on what worked well and what could be improved for future surveys.
    • Continuous Improvement: Use insights from the current survey to refine your approach in subsequent research projects.

Andrews, Dorine; Nonnecke, Blair; Preece, Jennifer (2003) “Conducting Research on the Internet: Online Survey Design, Development and Implementation Guidelines” in International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, vol.16, issue 2.

Using the Internet to conduct quantitative research presents challenges not found in conventional research. Some of our knowledge concerning the effective design and use of paper-based surveys does translate into electronic formats. However, electronic surveys have distinctive technological, demographic and response characteristics that affect how they should be designed, when they can be used and how they can be implemented. Survey design, subject privacy and confidentiality, sampling and subject solicitation, distribution methods and response rates and survey piloting are critical methodological components that must be addressed in order to conduct sound online research. This paper focuses on those distinctive characteristics. It reviews the current literature on the subject of electronic surveys and presents guidelines for designing, developing and implementing them, particularly web-based surveys. This paper argues that Web-based surveys are superior to email surveys in many aspects, but that email combined, perhaps with offline media, is an excellent vehicle for inviting individuals to participate in Web-based surveys.

Scientific Article (15min)