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Virtual Qualitative Research Module Series
Access the Modules on OWL
These modules explore how qualitative research methods can be employed in online and virtual environments, through a combination of both theoretical and practical learning. It also introduces foundational qualitative skills like coding and interpretation.
The series offers a combination of theoretical and practical learning in six areas:
- Foundations of Virtual Qualitative Research
- Social Media Research
- Doing Ethnography Online
- Virtual Participatory Action Research
- Foundations in Coding and Interpretation
- Arts-Based Research
The modules are designed to support the current and emerging research needs of students as well as in supporting those currently teaching qualitative research methods. These modules are intended to serve:
- Professors teaching a course who want to supplement their curriculum.
- Supervisors who want to help their graduate students sharpen their skills in a particular qualitative research area.
- Graduate students who would like to enhance their training.
They can also be used in a variety of creative ways – for example, modules could be used as part of independent study courses, integrated into comprehensive examinations, and/or used to complement the writing of academic papers. Instructors could be graduate student supervisors, advisory committee members, and others not limited to the traditional professor/course teaching format.
The Faculty Adoption Guide will familiarize you with the contents of each module (outlined in Appendix A) and the suggested process for adopting the modules offered in this series, within your course(s). These modules may be used in full or in part and in ways that best suit your pedagogical needs.
These modules have been developed with the support of a working group of faculty content experts, the Centre for Teaching and Learning, Western Technology Services, and the outstanding contributions of a senior Western PhD student and a recent PhD graduate. This module series helps streamline delivery, reduce costs, and relieve strain on people, resources, and workload, while maintaining pedagogical relevance and ensuring an offering of the highest quality.