What Works? Legwork

mindwork: multiple data sources

– myself as a data source

• I never considered looking at my own personal history as a data source, but I've grown up with the digital age and have experienced its growth. I can use my own experiences with technology in and out of the classroom as a data source.

• I can also consider using personal observations as a data source. For example, I work in a restaurant and on several occasions I've had a child – sometimes as young as 2 – at my table using the apps on a smartphone to pass the time instead of the crayons and kids menus we provide. This was the most surprising to witness, but I can also consider looking at my observations in the classroom, specifically of the interaction and relationship with technology in the lives of my students.

– student work as a data source

• Another source I could possibly consider is the artwork and journaling, both formal and informal, of my students. Specifically, I can consider the different approaches and themes in art that they students take, and how these reflect their connection to the digital culture.

– surveys as data sources

• Creating a survey for a classroom or several classrooms of students might result in some great feedback and statistics about how they view technology in their personal lives and its place in the classroom.

– interviews as data sources

• Similar to surveys, interviews would be a great collection of data. I can consider interviews with art educators and students, as well as people outside of the classroom interested in learning in the digital age.

– How might I collect it?

• For my personal observations and experiences, I could put together a journal of field notes or utilize my blog to post some observations.

• For the student work, surveys and interviews, I'd have to do some class visits for a couple days or once a week in order to conduct some of this research. The problem that arises then is time.

– What kind of special permissions would you need to use the data?

• If I'm using student work or writings I would need to get permissions to use them. I would also need permission from the teacher whose class I'm observing.