Although the effectiveness of ABC Pocket Phonics will largely be reflected in the
quantative data, I decided to use the mixed methodology approach because the
exploration of the application’s benefits and limitations will be most effectively
represented through the qualitative research.
The data will be collected from the participating schools in succession rather than
simultaneously. This will allow me to reflect upon the initial iPad sessions and, if
necessary, implement modifications in order to improve the quality of the research.
I considered codifying and editing the quantities data to be collected, as Punch
(2009) recommends, however, I decided that the data would be concise enough to present
in its entirety, in the form of a two variable bar chart. Text and polyvariate tables will be
used to communicate the qualitative data.
4. Ethical Considerations
The research participants in this project are: the two class teachers from the
participating schools; the pupils who will be subject to the iPad sessions and assessments;
and the teaching staff from Cedars School of Excellence, Greenock, Scotland.
The methods in which data is to be collected will cause no anxiety, risk, or invasion
of privacy greater than that ordinarily encountered in daily life. Steps have been taken in
order to ensure participants’ safety. The class teachers have been asked to approve the
session plans before they are to be delivered and I have spent time observing the
participants in their normal phonics sessions in order to promote familiarity with myself
in the learning environment.
I was aware of the ethical complications associated with exposing and intervention to
a group of pupils and not others, however, the constraints of time and resources meant
that only a small group of pupils (3-4) would be able to take part in the iPad sessions.
The participating classes contain 3-4 pupils who are underachieving are currently
receiving focused teaching interventions in order to progress their learning. By collecting
data from these pupils I will be able to carry out the evaluative research, whilst providing
support to those pupils who need it most, and concurrently maintaining the ordinary
school routine of all pupils in the class.
5. Indicative Bibliography
Hew and Brush’s study (2007) regarding the integration of technology into the
education system, provided me with an excellent contextual review of the benefits,
limitations, and pedagogical issues associated with, in particular, ICT systems in the
classroom. This study was also concerned with identifying current knowledge gaps,
which was highly relevant to the formation of this research project.
Although Lingard’s text (1997) on good practise in phonics is dated, it is a highly
cited text within this topic.. The text provided me with an excellent foundation of
knowledge, upon which to begin making considerations of a high-quality, iPad-led