IT 635 Research and Theory on Communication and Performance Technology
Course Syllabus
Fall 2014
Professor: Dr. Anthony Betrus

Office: Dunn Hall 393

E-mail: betrusak@potsdam.edu

Phone: (315) 267-2670

Textbooks:
Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2008).The craft of research (3rd ed.). Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
Fink, A. (2013). How to conduct surveys (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Januszewski, A., & Molenda, M. (2008). Educational Technology: A definition with commentary. New York, NY: Lawrence Erlbaum

Course Description:
This course is designed to provide an introduction to institutional research through a learning-by-doing approach. Learning experiences include discussion of relevant research issues and completion of a research study that 1) addresses an issue in organizational performance or educational technology, 2) is supported by a current literature review, 3) proposes specific and relevant research questions, 4) describes the use of the survey research methods, 5) reports and discusses the findings, 6) points out limitations, and 7) provides recommendations for future investigation.

After selecting a topic, the team will determine the focus of the study, review the relevant literature, specify research questions, design instruments, collect and analyze data, present their conclusions, and prepare a research paper for publication. Both collaboration and individual efforts are necessary and essential in this class. The literature review will be conducted individually at first, and then a combined literature review will be produced. After the literature review, one group member may take the lead role in a given phase of the research project, although In every phase each member is expected to contribute significantly. The ultimate goal is to prepare a paper and presentation of sufficient quality to be accepted for presentation at professional conference.

In addition to the research paper, throughout hte course students will engage in seminar style discussions of theoreotical topics related to organizational performance and educational technology.

Goal and Objectives:
Overall, this course intends to prepare participants for future independent research endeavors. Specifically, the participants are expected to

- Appropriately design a research study to investigate a problem

- Conduct a survey research study

- Analyze and interpret the data

- Write a research report following APA guidelines

- Prepare a presentation and proceedings paper for a a professional conference.

Course Schedule:

Attendance:
Regular attendance and participation in all activities are considered essential to this class. The quality of team work relies on the team efforts and contribution of each team member. Meanwhile, a collaborative environment fosters individual's growth in learning. Should situations arise which prevent class attendance, please notify the instructor in advance. Given the format of the class, even excused absences may result in a lower grade for he student (at the discretion of the instructor).

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:
All participants should aspire to high standards of academic honesty. Any single instance of academic dishonesty will result in failure of the assignment in question, and possibly failure of the class and/or expulsion from the program. Participants in this class are expected to properly reference sources when using information from others.

Accommodative Service:
Participants who have documented learning, emotional, and/or physical disabilities, can get academic accommodations through Accommodative Services (110-112 Sisson Hall, SUNY Potsdam. Telephone: 267-3267). Please also see instructor during office hour to discuss this. General information on accommodations can be found at: http://www.potsdam.edu/support/oas/index.cfm

Readings and in-class discussions:
Each participant is expected to complete assigned readings and then actively participate in discussions in the class. Students are expected to be prepared and regularly participate in class, those who do not may have their grade reduce by up to a full grade point, at the discretion of the instructor.

Grading:
Prerequisites
Human Subjects Approval Prepared
Client Interviews Conducted
Survey Pre-tested

Graded Components:
Research study (200 pts.)
Abstract (10 points) (.75 page)
Introduction (10 pts.) (1 page)
Literature review (50 pts.) (3-4 pages)
Purpose and research question(s) (20 pts.) (.5-1 page)
Methodology (20 pts.) (2-4 pages)
Data Analysis (50 pts.) (2-4 pages)
Conclusion (20 pts) ) (1-2 pages)
References (10 pts) (1-2 pages)
Appendices (Survey Instrument, Interview Questions) (10 pts)

180+ --> 4.0
174-179 --> 3.7
166-173 --> 3.3
160-165 --> 3.0
154-159 --> 2.7
146-153 --> 2.3
140-45 --> 2.0

Supplemental Readings and Online Resources:

The Many Hats of an Instructional Designer online game: http://www2.potsdam.edu/betrusak/manyhats/manyhats.html
Getting started in instructional technology research.Ross, S. M., & Morrison, G. R. (1997).Bloomington, IN: The Association for Educational Communications and Technology. Available online: http://www.aect.org/Intranet/Publications/Research/index.html
APA Formatting and Style Guide.OWL at Purdue, Purdue University.(n.d.). http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
Tips for conducting a literature review. Center AlphaPlus Center (2003). Retrieved September 1, 2010 from http://www.idemployee.id.tue.nl/g.w.m.rauterberg/lecturenotes/literatur-search-tips-2004.pdf (9 pages)
How to Recognize Plagiarism: Indiana University: http://www.indiana.edu/~istd/
SUNY Potsdam's College Writing Center (CWC): Citing Sources & Self-Editing Guide
SUNY Potsdam Center for Student Research Graduate Travel Grant