This is a study that will investigate the portfolios generated for an on-line teacher preparation course at the Master’s level concerning integration of WEB based technologies in the traditional curricula. The classroom is constructed in LotusNotes/Domino asynchronous space. It will specifically investigate: (a) the various individual portfolio entries (assignments, practica, and projects) of selected subjects in private spaces only open to individual subjects and the instructors; (b) several common public spaces (open to just the instructors and course participants) such as Meet Your Classmates, Discussion, Question, HelpDesk, and Bulletin Board areas in Lotus Domino Workspace; and (c) threaded discourse defined in these Public Spaces. The discourse analysis will be supplemented by on-line and real-time interviews.
The purpose of the study is to investigate: (a) how it is that portfolios generated in such electronic spaces can be assessed by appropriate standards, thereby extending such assessments from their current criterion-based methods; (b) the nature and structure of cultural spaces in these environments; (c) instructor and peer factors influencing the development of literate discourse in these spaces; and (d) how the depth, breadth, and articulation of this electronic discourse can be improved. Procedures will be according to traditional discourse analysis, subject interviews, network analysis and text analysis common to existing practices acceptable in ethnographic and qualitative analysis. Specifically, the electronic portfolios will be treated as individual case studies. Their contents will be examined and analyzed with respect to variables not currently assessed for determinations of grades; that is, this study’s interventions by the instructor will occur in dimensions according to which they are not currently assessed, thereby removing the ethical threats otherwise inherent in such a study.
Study Framework: Go Back to Study Map
Defining the Case: