That PhD thing

Proposed Thesis Topic

Longitudinal studies show that Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) students have high rates of attrition in comparison to other students.  The trend is global across both institutions and countries.

This is attributed largely in part, to the sense of isolation felt throughout the learning journey of the qualification by these students.  This proposal will look at models of connectivism and how these can be used to reduce the attrition rates of HDR students at ECU.  In concept, connectivism is a combination of several learning theories, social structures and technology. Together, these create a powerful social and technological framework for learning in the digital age (Seimens, 2004).

Seimens (2004), the originator of the connectivism concept, has identified a number of underpinning principles.  Several of these principles, such as but not limited to “learning and knowledge, rest in a diversity of opinions, nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning, ability to see connections between field, ideas and concepts is a core skill” are the basis upon which a HDR connectivism model would become self-sustaining & supporting once critical mass of participation was achieved

Methodology

This research will be case study based.

Qualitative and quantitative methods will be used for data collection and ECU HDR students will be used as the representative sample.

References

Seimens, G. (2004). “Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age.” Retrieved July 2009, from the elearnspace Web site: http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm

One Response

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  1. Written by Hana
    on July 13, 2010 at 5:29 AM
    Reply · Permalink

    hehe cool Sue. Learnt a lot about you in the last minute reading your about page!

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