torsdag 29 november 2012

Comments


I have made 2 commentaries during the week 44, between weeks 45- 48 - 4 commentaries every week. I could not find my commentaries made during the course. On the course page there are only the very last works. Via blog’s search it is impossible to find anything. That is why I publish the very last commentaries for the theme 5, as well as commentaries to my texts and answers to these commentaries.

Here are my commentaries for the week 48.

Nowadays it is rather complicated to find new ideas for creation of cars. Do you think that use of prototypes and conducting research can improve the situation?
I have never worked with things that use vibrations for transfer of information. Do you think this method will be useful and widely used?
This is an interesting observation that prototypes and the final product can differ... What do you think is a reason for that?
I like professor Li's idea with animation. Information is helpful and easy to understand. How did you like Professor Haibo Li’s lecture?

The commentaries and answers to my texts  made by other course participants.

"In 1970, LeDoux began studying the emotions from fear. He suggested that all reactions that are true for the fear will be true for other emotions, too." This is interesting. What was his conclusion? Was there any evidence that his hypothesis was true? I believe fear is an interesting subject because it's something we doesn't really want to talk about. But all humans are afraid of something it's almost like a consensus of society that "if we are silent and not talking about it nothing will happen". And I believe that this is a paradox because if you don't talk about what you fear you will indeed be more afraid of what you fear. Theme 3, Reflections

In my opinion, feelings are interrelated and complete unit. May be feelings are not alike, but they complement each other. When learning some feelings it is possible to study about others. Theme 3, Reflections
"A prototype is a constructive hypothesis of methodological analysis of project activities" What do you think about prototypes that are just being used as an excuse to build something cool? I mean if you want to develop a prototype of something shouldn't you put it in context to something other and measure the benefits with your prototype over the already existing other? Theme 5, Design research

Prototypes are the basis of the modern researches. They create research typology. That is why we can say about possibility of relationships between the prototypes that exist. The combinations of prototypes, in my opinion, can create unlimited variety of variations. Theme 5, Design research
Good evening! Thank you for your comment. I think it is important to be open-minded. We use our mind as a filter when we accept information. It is helpful to use logic, different theories and humanitarian sciences such as philosophy and sociology when we need new knowledge. I my opinion theory and technology don't hinder but compliment each other. Power of technology can be used for storage, perception, getting and sorting out the information. The humanitarian sciences can be used for analysis of different types of research and the process of thinking. Best regards, Thema 2, Reflections.

Hi Masha, Yes, I use online learning in my education. I get a lot of emotions of it. There are many useful books and softwear you can find online. Thema 3, Quantitative methods.

Hello Andreas, Thank you very much for you comment. I will do my best to shorten my texts. Best regards, Thema 3, Quantitative methods.

I like your sentence: "We must be familiar with different opinions and points of view for knowledge of the theory." I think for researchers it’s very important to be and to stay open minded. Otherwise the progress in subject areas will slow down. Especially in the era of new technology, where new developments have such a high impact, the status quo of a subject area can change totally. I also agree with you that new technology combined with good theory can improve the quality of research. But could new technology sometimes be to hindering for a good theory? For example too much information could it make hard to focus on the actual main points of a research? What do you think?  Thema 2, Reflections.

Do u use online learning in your education? Thema 3, Quantitative methods

Interesting thoughts, but you should try to shorten your text a bit since it's 911 words long and I don't think most of us will read it because of that. :( Thema 3, Quantitative methods.

Hello Bobby, Knowledges we are agree about without any doubts are those we know through our sense-data and with the help of logical processes. Our mind is a psychological filter that we use to pass through new information. There are too many knowledges in the universe to be aware of all of them. In my opinion, the logic is more important equipment for estimation of new facts. We can discuss this in details at school. Best regards,  Reflections Thema 1

Hello Stefan, Thank you for your message! I will do it as soon as possible during this week. Best regards, Theory and Method for Media Technology

"Besides that, philosophy opens our mind and helps to improve the analytical abilities." Maksym do you agree with Russell that there is knowledge that we can know, or do you disagree i.e. there is no knowledge that we can know because of our own limitations, and senses? I could also widen this question to embrace truth. But I think I'll skip that for now! Reflections Thema 1

Could you revise the first part of your blog posting. You should describe one journal with an impact factor of at least 1.0, and also one research paper. You can find the instruction here: https://www.kth.se/social/course/DM2572/page/theme-1/ Good luck! Theory and Method for Media Technology

Week 48, Reflections


The theme of this week was design research. The design research is made on the annotation’s basis and shows the algorithm and its stages. The design can be presented as a chart or table. The design which is based on the prototypes can be called ‘design on the prototypes’. The prototype is a special organization of the material design.

 It includes a variety of thinking, forms of communication, the means and instruments of activity, knowledge, techniques, subjects, etc. We can arrange a variety of activities with the prototypes. The prototype contains the necessary tools and representation techniques of the object. These tools and object are connected and coordinated with each other in the prototype boards. The work of many design and research institutions built on the typological principle. At present, any area of design has a complex set of prototypes. They organized into special typological system. The prototype organizes the design research. The designers have in mind not concrete objects but certain universal prototypes. In this regard, we can imagine how great and diverse functions in modern design research are. If successful, an expert with the help of knowledge engineer expands knowledge of the prototype in the problem area. In case of failure, it may need to develop a new prototype. Developers can come to a conclusion about the suitability or unsuitability of the prototypes for the application. Along with the increase of knowledge the prototype can reach a point where it successfully solves all problem of the application. The dynamic development of the day leads to the fact that there are not any prototypes for certain tasks in modern design. This requires the implementation of new proposals in project practice. The cost of these implementation is high and requires changes in the design. Prototypes set basis and provide the requirements imposed to them by consumers and social customers, production and design.

Professor Haibo Li gave a lecture this week. His explanations were accompanied by the use of animation and media technologies. Many of his ideas and examples gave a fresh look at the process of creation and research of subjects. In particular, the complex issues were explained with simple facts and the incomprehensible became apparent. For example, the expression 'do things right' and 'do the right things' together form a prototype demonstrates success. Or the expression 'we are all blind' confirmed with clear examples that made me think about that people might not be aware to see all that exists and functions.

At the seminar we discussed articles which use research methods and design. All the participants were divided into several mini groups. Each mini group chose one article for discussion. The whole research process from article was made and shown schematically in Power Point. Then, all group members discussed the articles which were itroduced by mini groups. It was interesting to take part in discussions and work in a mini group. In my view, such discussions can help to quickly understand the research methods and create the objective presentation of the course material.

söndag 25 november 2012

Theme 3, Reflections


During the week I have red two articles. In the article "Mixed research and online learning: Strategies for improvement" by Lowenthal, P. R. & Leech it is examined the phenomenon of online learning. In the article "Emotional presence, learning and the online learning environment" by Cleveland-Innes, M. and Campbell P. the authors review and investigate the presence of emotion in online learning.

Quantitative methods research was used in the studies of influence of emotions on students in online learning. This work examines the main reasons that cause emotional arousal.There are the social, scientific and educational reasons, etc. Emotions emerges in the process of adapting in online learning, cognitive, social and teaching presence.

In 1970, LeDoux began studying the emotions from fear. He suggested that all reactions that are true for the fear will be true for other emotions, too. There is a theory which confirms that in case of injuries the vision of emotions and the ability to think rationally are changed. Stress helps in the formation of explicit memories, but it can empty the memory too. The learning process is the flow of information and exchange of emotional experience. This is a dynamic exchange in a complex social environment where learning takes place. Emotional expression is a part of being of socially submitted online learning. "COI" is a model for teaching and learning online.

In 2000 new problems have been formulated about how in the best way integrate and control emotions in the learning environment. Zembylos applied new qualitative methodologies in 2008. As a result researches reached a new qualitative level. Positive and negative emotions that are associated with the process of learning are the object of these studies. In online learning process students create their own understanding of the process. In online learning, students take more responsibility and are more active in the learning process. They develop new skills but the impact of emotions in the new learning environment is coming to be determined. Emotions exist together with other phenomena of online research community.
Emotions create presence which is the result of the dynamic interaction between emotions, cognitions, behaviour and environment.The emotional factor is present in the social, cognitive areas and in the learning process. Emotions concentrate us on certain aspects of the situation. In the online learning reactions of confidence and peace are important but reactions of fear, pressure and stress are unacceptable.
There are a number of issues with online learning which wait to be explored. Here are some of the questions: What issues are present in any online learning environment? How does the design of impact, organization, promotion and direct instruction work?

The quantitative research method determines the size and is identified with the numerical data in the study. When using this method the processing of observations and experiments data take place, and modelling, diagnosis and prognosis of the research take place as well. After processing of the results of research the modelling take place. Meanwhile new information is obtained and creation and investigation of possible models of the development of object of the study take place.

fredag 23 november 2012

Theme 5, Design research


How can media technologies be evaluated?
 The development of printing technology, film, television and radio knowledge, information and culture became available to all people. The advent of computers has led to changes in the mass communication technologies.

What role will prototypes play in research?
In traditional design the prototypes provide an essential and important role. A prototype is a constructive hypothesis of methodological analysis of project activities. In the design the concrete objects are not applied, but some universal prototypes. The prototype organizes design itself and provides linkages to other areas. This allows to organize various activities by using the prototypes. The prototype contains necessary tools and techniques of the object representation.
These tools and object are linked and coordinated with each other in the prototype.

Why could it be necessary to develop a proof of concept prototype?
If the production of objects becomes a complex formation, it requires participation of different specialists. The design organizes the multi aspect production and connects it with consumption. The work of many design and research institutions is built on the typological principle. At present, any area of design has a complex set of prototypes.
These prototypes are organized into special typological system. The prototypes should solve typical problems of specific application but their complexity and time of development should be negligible. The variety of tools uses to meet these requirements and speed up the design process of prototype. If successful, experts expand knowledge of the prototype’s problem area. Developers can come to a conclusion about unsuitability of methods. Then it may need to develop a new prototype. With increasing of knowledge about the prototype, it can reach a point where it successfully solves all problem of the attachment.

What are characteristics and limitations of prototypes?
 Prototypes have large and diverse functions in modern design. The advantages of prototypes is their ability to set the framework and provide a link to social function of objects and the requirements imposed on them by consumers, social employers, production and design itself. Independent and uneven development of different areas of industry, science and technology creates situations where the solution of certain problems in modern design has not prototypes. The introduction of the new proposals in design practice is expensive and time-consuming. This requests overcoming inertia of the existing batch design and mass production. Experimental and research work developments are subject to the current design practice and have limited resources and time. This can be attributed to the limits of prototyping.

How can design research be communicated / presented?
The design research is made on the basis of abstracts and shows algorithms of research and its stages.
The design can be presented as a scheme or table. The annotation includes detailed description of contingent subjects, clear and detailed inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria of the research.

How is theory being used to guide the design process?
Scientist must correctly identify priorities and vary different kinds of theoretical directions in research. It is in effect in the case of mixed-design.
Researchers use different components of data collection and analysis (qualitative and quantitative). The purpose of the study is to confirm or test hypotheses and theories. Or you want to determine the distribution of the phenomenon then the theoretical orientation is deductive and quantitative methods are used.

Which research method or methods are used in the paper? Which are the benefits and limitations of using these methods?
 The article “Some Principles of Research Design in Public Health” by Rosenstock, Irwin M, Hochbaum, Godfrey uses the observations data. This method involves as a rule to obtain qualitative data. The main advantage of this method is directly linked researcher with the object of his study. Analysis of participant observation has the following advantages: immediate impression about the environment, better understanding of human and social community’s actions. This method is flexible and considers all details of the phenomenon and its versatility. The relative cheapness is an important attribute of this method. However, there are some disadvantages. The toolbar of this method have not needed testing and training, and personal qualities of the observer effect on the results. This method is subjective.

What did you learn about conducting design research from reading the paper?
The design research is based on prototypes and may be called "design for the prototype." It shows the algorithm for the study, its stages, the categories of inclusion and exclusion from the research.
The prototype is a special organization of material in design research.
It includes thinking, forms of communication, the means and instruments of activity, knowledge, techniques, subjects etc.

torsdag 22 november 2012

Theme 5, Reflections


Topic of this was research design. I have read the following articles: "Turn Your Mobile Into the Ball: Rendering Live Football Game Using Vibration" by Réhman, S., Sun, J., Liu, L., & Li, H. and "Some Principles of Research Design in Public Health" by Rosenstock, Irwin M, Hochbaum, Godfrey M.

 The first article considers the use of vibratone for visualization of the information about football games. Mobile phones operate more and more functions. They serve not only for communication but also for fun and games. We can watch football on the phone and choose moments of interest. The phone can send information about the ball during the game. Different vibratory signals can transmit information about physical position of the ball. You can design a football experience with vibration. Video from the football match is analysed, encoded into vibro-information and transmitted to the display in the form of vibration signals.

 If we consider all the elements that influence the perception and transmission of vibration signals, it is optimal to transmit the main events of the game. The study has monitored the following uses of vibration sensation: transmission, methods of coding and vibrotactile definition. The following goals of technology use have been considered in this study: effectiveness, efficiency and optimal signal transfer. Users have been trained to acquirement of the GUI system programming. Education based on the principle of contact and visual stimulations. Students and administrative staff of Umea University were involved in the studies. The participants used the vibration function of mobile phones, 70% of them did it every day. All participants were involved in two stages of this experiment. At the end of the two stages participants answered a set of questions. The error rate was determined by comparing the original data and the data received by the participants in the experiments. After processing of the data the grade point average quality of performance was calculated. According to the results of the data ANOVA analysis was performed. The degree of correlation between different data provides an explanation of their complementarities.

 The second article describes the principles of roentgen studies of tuberculosis in the public health service. Several principles related to researches adopted in the public health were considered here. It includes design issues, review of literature, distinction between hypotheses and assumptions, data and choice of methods.
 The questions of this study were ‘Why do not people go to the research?’ and ‘Why do people go to the research?’ This approach allowed us to find the positive and negative aspects and explore them. The studies were conducted in three major cities, and 1200 persons took part in them. Participants answered 90 questions in standard forms. Research findings and scale of their application depend on quality structure of the research participants. The data were collected after the research.
 90% of the time was spent on the research and the remaining time was spent on processing of data.
The data of content analysis were analysed and generalized. Interpretation and reporting of research were made explicit.

 Conclusions
 In the design research first the preliminary tests before the development of the project are conducted. The choice of methods and technology provides the necessary data for identify goals and challenges of the research. Review of relevant literature and assumptions, definitions and hypotheses can clearly define measurable quantities. The research methods are defined and the samples types are selected for use in regular research in the future.

söndag 18 november 2012

Theme 4, Reflections after


   During this week we have studied the qualitative research method. Under this theme I have read the following articles "Studying Change Dynamics Using Qualitative Methods" by Barbara Gray, Inger Stensaker and Karen Jansen, and ”Comics, Robots, Fashion and Programming: outlining the concept of actDresses” by Fernaeus, Y. & Jacobsson. In the last ten years the interest to researches with the help of qualitative methods and their organization has been increased. New research opportunities take place.

   For example, the analytical analysis on this topic shows how qualitatively assessment of the comics and fashion in the physical signs of the robots impact on humans and other robots. Description of the behaviour in the form of comics and forms include an infinite number of variations and options The virtual comics’ hand-language are a form of cultural expression. The semiotics of fashion and comics can operate as inspiration for the physical language design. They become a code key for digital devices. In this analytical study the enquiry with the help of qualitative research methods is carried out. Factors are analysed and conclusions are logically explained.

   At the lecture the use of principle of qualitative research was demonstrated. There was observed Research Grant Activity 120 online discussion to create a model for online learning, teaching, cognitive and social presence. There was interesting information about face-to-face learning and online learning. Feelings and reflections are important part of description of the face-to- face and Internet learning. Several years ago nobody trusted Internet and it was difficult to argue for it. But now Internet has changed the way we do research and learning objectives.
   Qualitative research consists of continuous process, deductive method, specific instances, inductive method and general principles of logic. The validity plus reliability give the best result in the qualitative research. Epistemology consists of groups for answers to the questions, What are necessary and sufficient conditions of knowledge?”, “What are the sources?”, “What is its structure? “ as well as “What are its limits?”.

  At the seminar we learned the Reporting Services (SRSS). These services reports and report models receive data from external data sources. The report server connects to the server where the data reside. Data from these servers are used for analysis and getting new data. “Analysis” is a key in this program we learned to use. The program process and analyse the data until the program begins to use them. One of the main objectives of SRSS is collection and analysis of statistical data.

Theme 4, Reflections before


   We live in the information age of human civilization. Therefore, it is popular and promising the sphere of information activity today. Information activities allow collection, storage, retrieval, processing and dissemination of information. It also forms organizational resources and provides access to them. Today information has a material value. Information can be bought and sold in the information market.
  Information market is a set of relationships to provide information services. Information market needs daily updates, so at the moment the sphere of information activities’ development is increasing continuously. Information searching methods grow continuously.It is necessary for the processing and systematization of quality information. Almost every month there are new and improved methods of searching, processing and dissemination.
  One of the research areas, of data collection and processing is online learning. There are complex issues in these studies that are being investigated. One of the studies’ areas is the essence of the emotion concept which will explore all the actions and reasons of things. Impact on certain emotions in the learning environment has yet to be explored. Education face to face is a battle between emotion and cognition with the brain in the middle. The three elements of online learning are social presence, teaching presence, cognitive presence. Central and organizing elements in the learning process are intention, assistance and direction of cognitive and social processes. Emotions are a part of the learning environment. The positive emotions lead to positive results, negative emotions lead to negative consequences in the learning process. Stress and anger hinder learning and lead to the adoption of wrong decisions. Excessive emotions and their absence have influence to the learning process. Emotion is an experience that is important in the online environment and it helps to move the knowledge to consciousness.
   We have already got to know about mixed research and quantitative methods of search and research of information. Mixed research is a research with philosophical propositions’ leading and methods to collect and analyse data. There are several stages of the mixed research data processing: analysis of data mapping, data transformation, data correlation, data consolidation, data comparison and integration of data. Mixed research combines with the optimal properties for online learning management.
   Qualitative and quantitative methods are mixed in many phases of mixed research both for one and for several studies. Determining of the issue types led to design type, sample size, selection of tests, and type of instrument and method of data analysis. For the mixed research should be selected optimal sample size and studies scheme for conclusions efficiency.
  This research method involves development of research methods and principles to improve the quantity and quality of research. This will increase the accuracy and quality of online learning. The construction of mixed research is more complex than qualitative research and quantitative research individually.

lördag 17 november 2012

Thema 4, Qualitative methods


   I have read an article called “Studying Change Dynamics Using Qualitative Methods'' by Barbara Gray, Inger Stensaker and Karen Jansen. Qualitative changes, which are used in the study of variations, provide a rich and compelling understanding of how and why changes occur and their impact on different levels. This article explores the methods used in the qualitative analyse and ways to improve them. The authors explore the understanding of organizational technologies with the help of changes of methodologies.
   Organization and organizational areas experience transformations of the following types: less hierarchy, logical shift, innovative methods and technologies, greater use of network structures and processes of the organization. A qualitative approach is effective in the dynamics of changes and is the best way to understand them. Empirical study in both organizational and organizing areas can cope with the challenges they meet. Changes occur in one or more locations or conditions of the research. Several tasks such as the impact of the changes through learning, creativity, work, social studies and so on are solved here. There are three main areas in these studies.
  Narrative and identity changes are identification with a history of changes. Pace, rhythm and sequencing of change are recreation of identity of the agents in accordance with the current changes and shifts. Human responses of change are the sources of individual, group and institutional sustainability. The role of passion and emotions, resistance and inertness, and the negotiation of conflicts are examined here. The term “qualitative method” includes a wide range of approaches for studying of organizational phenomena. The choice of research methods depends on the questions asked. The questions themselves are dependent on the research context. The article “Comics, Robots, Fashion and Programming: outlining the cincept of actDresses by Fernaeus, Y. & Jacobsson describes the design of programming languages ​​and the physical robot control research.
   Two types of sign systems describe the concept actDresses. This is a sign system that is used in comics and can be used for visual programming languages. Clothing and accessorizing were considered to control the behaviour of physical interactive devices. Physical decoration and labelling can be used for control, programming and impact analysis of behaviours of robotic systems. The behaviour of most consumer robots such as Pleo, Roomba or Aibo is based on the method of interaction.
   The study discusses the signs and symbols as well as semiotic which studies the use and interpretation of signs. The signs can be made in any form. They include words, images, sounds, gestures, actions, and physical objects. Clothing is used for communication functions. The physical form and the way it shapes the behaviour is the object of research. In terms of industrial design this concept has been framed as a balance between appearance and action. The concept of clothing can complement hardware capabilities of technology. The study examines three different types of robots. This is a robot dinosaur Pleo, a robot with an experimental platform GlowBots and a prototype robot vacuum cleaner.
   Pleo is a robotic dinosaur model is as an electronic pet. The robot is equipped with a large number of sensors that respond to touch and have a complex management system. Robot reacts on different clothes and models his behaviour. Models of wearing in the collection have RFID tags.GlowBots  collection is used for the second type of robots. These are robots with wheels for movement, acceleration sensors for user interaction, round LED-display on top of them. They react on people and other robots a nd consist of simple resistor block. A set of simple behaviour models for these robots can form more complicated models. The third type is robots vacuum cleaners that use Comic symbolic characters. In this case the raise of the possibility goal-oriented robots are considered.
   Specific architecture platforms are used in different sets of projects of respective platforms. In the comics and in fashion all the visual signs and symbols interact with characters, people, contexts and objects. In actDresses they have a different form of expression in the context of physical computing.

tisdag 13 november 2012

Thema 1, Research journals and papers


I have read the article "Border communication: media sociology and STS" by Judy Wajcman and Poul K.Jones. The article describes relations between media Sociology and Science and Technology Studies (STS). They mix and complement each other in the way that the STS is responsible for the development of the material part of the objects, and media technologies are implementing these changes in practice.

The article considers the possibilities of expanding online media and that the community of media will be more anonymous and wide compare to the newspapers. The purpose of research is to find common ground and mutual benefits of these areas. Here we consider the role of the major media such as television, radio and new technologies in the Internet and mobile phones. The concept of innovation and communication technologies should include an understanding of social changes. Combination of sociology and technological researches in the information technology is the main idea of ​​STS. This is the ratio between the means of communication media and cultural theory on the one hand, and science and technology studies STS on the other.  There are especially composed design communication technology that can result in the media and politics. The role of communication technologies with all social consequences will move to the Internet.
 The article covers the structure of macro-social theoretical reflection, means of aesthetic expression and complex sophisticated technological determinism, symbolic content, medium theory, indirect relations and epochalism. The concept of STS also research partly feminism, new technologies and social technical broadcasting configuration. The new social relation forms are a clear alternative for use of materials. There is Colhoin's placement for communications and infrastructure of modernity as this is the optimal structure of the debate about the boundaries of communication. Colhoin substantiates the terms of viability of social-theoretical framework in which the STS media and sociology have a dialog. The structure itself has the advantage of re-invigoration with means of socio-technical understanding of both trends.

STS aspects such as social formation, social construction of technology to theorize the social technical nature of new media technologies such as increasing of mobility and expanding of audience. This is the output from the technical innovations’ sphere with the narrow circle of specialist and users acceptance as members of the process. Technical objects include and organize human’s relations and the relationships between people and things. STS-concept’s design cooperates with users as active participants in the development of technologies and shows how the material world is in contact with the society.

torsdag 8 november 2012

Thema 3, Quantitative methods.


Quantitative methods.

Subject of study in the first text
   In the article "Mixed research and online learning: Strategies for improvement" by Lowenthal, P. R. & Leech it is examined the phenomenon of online learning. Online learning is compared with the traditional method of learning (face to face learning). In the article it considers the steps and key considerations that can improve the quality of research of online learning. The method of analysis of these studies of online learning should be lead with several methods of analysis because one method of analysis can be misleading. Qualitative data can be verified with a constant comparative analysis: keywords, the number of words, content analysis, domain analysis, taxonomic analysis, component analysis and social presence. Data research that is their own report data from previous studies is the most commonly method used in studying online learning.
The subject of study in the second text
   In the article "Emotional presence, learning and the online learning environment" by Cleveland-Innes, M. and Campbell P. the authors review and investigate the presence of emotion in online learning. More and more students and teachers are becoming involved in online learning. But this method of learning is not the primary one because it requires new competence. Emotions can affect the results of online learning so they are present in the online environment. The purpose of research is the study of emotion as a mean that helps and hinders learning. Students’ expression of their emotions, combined with a social presence is a fundamentally new type of education based on the unique presence.
Way of studying the issue in the first text
   Currently, the research results often contain inaccuracies. This is partly a consequence of the comparison of old and new researches and other limited data types and their collections, and analysis. These research methods are not designed to obtain information about all the problems of research of online learning. Errors occurred even when the studies did not rely on self-rapport data and instead do an analysis of what is said and going online. The research was based and focused on the frequent repetition of participation of data. Usually, these reports about repetition of use are often analysed be means of content analysis. Content analysis is the second most common type of analysis for the study of online learning and the main research method of online discourse. Quantitative research has descriptive or comparative nature, or is based on relationships. Qualitative research is usually described. These two methods lead to different data and analysis results. Usually it is more common to use the sample size in qualitative research than on qualitative research.
 Historically, the mixed research is a mixture of qualitative and quantitative research methods. The purpose of this method is in the ratio of data’s mass and a broad interpretation of the results. Activity sequence in the mixed research is the definition of research objects, statement of purpose, definition of research and mixing studies, definition of research blending purposes, definition of research question sample data. Research questions are the basis for the limits of research and lead to the type of collected data. In the mixed research there are at least one question and at least one study of qualitative research and quantitative research in aspects of research.
Way of studying the issue in the second text
   "The online Community of Inquiry Framework" is used to analyse and to regularize the existence of emotions through the elements of online learning’s experience. New technologies allowed to do research easier and better. The critical theory can adequately account the emotional and spiritual aspects of online learning. The other theory says that emotion and cognition are inherently intertwined. The emotional expression is studied as a part of social representations online. "COI" is a model of research of teaching online. The methodology of online learning is made with the help of students. The earlier received data are modified instrument consisting of previously validated items of cognitive, social and teaching presence, and with the emotional presence’s addition. In the studies combinations of print and electronic media and the Internet conferences are used. During studies the combination of print and electronic media and the Internet conference are used, and  regular attendance and participation of students in the group are needed.
Data are collected from conferences, discussion transcripts (data from previous studies), supplemented with data from the online research experience. Answers are collected at the end of each course. After the second level of questions the accuracy of the sample is 66-80%. Participants of studies of “the effect of emotions on learning online” filled answers to questions in questionnaires.  The questionnaires were analysed for the emotions that often recur. The results were filled in tables and each table’s item was received by multiple tests. In addition, the emotion’s samples were compared with the taxonomy of human emotions.
Conclusions
   Various methods of research may increase the accuracy of the online learning. The differences between the research structures exist on the traditional scientific and mixed researches. Most previous studies are mono methods; the new researches are mixed researches which can detect the different nuances of research. The organizational task for development of produced researches is to study the general steps for these researches. The basis for these studies can be mixed research and some constant questions that are in the search. Research data which have their own reporting data for the most frequently used methods of online learning’s study can be also used.

Thema 2, Reflections.


"Nothing is so practical as a good theory" Lewin, 1945.
The topic we have experience during the week is theory. We have read the following two texts, namely "What is Theory is not" by Sutton, R. I. & Staw, B. M. (1995) and "The Nature of Theory in Information Systems." by Gregor, S. (2006). These texts have let me the concept of theory and were introduced to the historical beginning and development of the theory, and modern trends in the development of the theory. It was interesting to find out what issues and concepts are the basis of this concept. In my view, the emergence of the theory is closely related to such sciences as philosophy and sociology. The structure of concepts and variety of theories introduced me to the theory as a special balanced world with its special structure, hierarchy and the interaction of the elements of this world. Territory of subject interests may involve effects on nature of the discipline such as music or mathematics for example. And if there are interactions between two several discipline that can open a new theory for them. For me, the theory has evolved from ancient fossilized truths in living and growing organism, which covers all areas of universe.
During the seminar we discussed the text”What is theory?” and searched in the text statements and utterances that can and cannot relate to the theory’s concept. This is a useful exercise that helped participants acquainted better with the basics of the theory. In the text “Theory” we selected one from the different types of theories and explained the advantages and disadvantages of the chosen theory. The discussion was interesting and productive because each theory has its own way to be interesting and multi-sided. In principle/technically, we have proved in practice that the theory is objective and not subjective. We must be familiar with different opinions and points of view for knowledge of the theory.
Theory is an abstract object which seeks to explain and describe the understanding of the world and to make predictions of what will happen in the future. Modern technology combined with a good theory can greatly enhance and improve the quality of research in the total amount of existing disciplines. Especially, it provides a lot of opportunities for research with combination of computer sciences and Internet technologies and humanities sciences.

lördag 3 november 2012

Thema 2, Theory.


   The definition of the theory says that this is a teaching, a system of ideas or principles. The theory is a set of generalized statements that form a science or its section. Every conclusion in the theory is derived from other inferences based on the rules of logic output. The theory consists of hypothesis which is confirmed or approved through a survey or experiment. These hypotheses are proposed for the study or received as calculated for the known facts. Experience in the theory becomes meaningful and a source of meaning and knowledge. The theory includes the objective knowledge and cannot be the result only of the individual and subjective research. The objective but the abstract world is included in the theory. This world is represented by human-made objects such as mathematics, language, knowledge, science, art, etc.

   In the research “The nature of theory in information systems” by Gregor the theory is presented in the form of theoretical issues which are included in the four major groups of issues. Five major issues are: theoretical issues, structural and related issues, the epistemological issues and socio-political issues. Structurally the theory is divided into the following theories: analysis, explanation, prediction, explanation and prediction, intentions and prediction. The theory is considered to be satisfactory if it is considered by all of the types of questions and theories.

   Data, references, lists of options, diagrams and hypotheses are not theory. These concepts are supporting materials for creating the theory. The necessary data to the logical interpretation and comparison of data and creating theories are taken from these concepts.

   I have chosen the article “Impact of media richness and flow on e-learning technology acceptance”, Computers & Education Volume 52, Issue 3, April 2009, Pages 599-607.

   The article says about increasing of computer’s total part in the educational process. The number of computers is growing and the existing methods are not enough for the prediction of their share in the e-learning system. A combination of several theories for the research, understanding and forecasting the development of e-learning and multimedia’s part in it is required. This article creates an analysis of the possible solutions of this problem by combining a number of different theories. These theories study the information systems for training for students. In particular, the focus of research is the effective use of texts, video and audio materials.

   In my opinion, in this article the method of analysis and description are used. It can be seen on the methods that are used in the study and analysis of the results. The researches were conducted in different directions with several changes of the baselines. The conclusions made as a result of observations of participants of these researches. The practical advices based on the result of research and can be applied in practice. Also, this research can be used in the new possible theoretical researches. The results of this research can be considered in other areas where the streaming media is used.  

   The benefits of this method are the possibilities to describe specific phenomena. We can investigate the possible interaction between events and determining the capacity of these interactions. We can also predict the possible development of the relationship and the consequences of these structural studies. Limitations of the method include the ability to change the initial conditions of research and complexity of prediction of research of these changes.

Reference:

Gregor, S. 2006. The nature of theory in information systems. The Nature of Theory in IS. MIS Quarterly Volume 30 (3): 611-642

Sutton, R. I. and Staw, B. M. 1995. What theory is not. Administrative Science Quarterly. Volume 40 (3): 371-384
Su-Houn Liu, Hsiu-Li Liao, Jean A. Pratt, April 2009. Impact of media richness and flow on e-learning technology acceptance, Computers & Education Volume 52, Issue 3, , Pages 599–607.