EDRM 702-Foundations in Educational Research: One Pager Assignment Template

What are you interested in researching (your Research Interest/Curiosity), and Why
(your Research Motivation)?:
Creating computer simulation models that are updated and current for adult learners and
students alike. Creating computer simulation models that are engaging and technology
based and would have relevance. How can participants and teachers use models to
challenge and utilize simulations fostering equal opportunity to test hypothesis and use
design methods through their lens and perspective of reality.

What appears to be the problem/issue underlying and driving your research interest and
motivation (the Informing Problem Statement)?: The PARCC assessment is now
completely online which is creating a growing gap in access to technology many
Colorado schools are perpetuating the have and have nots. The gap being perpetuated by
unequal access to technology usage in classrooms creates more have not districts. Those
in power have the means and those that do not are subject to these means. (Marx) In
many Elite schools and Elite districts, have computers per every student or technology
clubs with private funding and parent run programs with thousands of dollars for
membership, which keeps many other districts, schools, teachers, and students from
joining technology programs. We have already noted that schools success and
economic/educational status of parents are highly correlated. (Neil Noddings
Philosophy of education 2012 pg. 203) The access to technology form elitism for the
privileged. Instead of giving, a rightful equal opportunity for all districts, schools,
teachers, and students. Elitism creates those that have the money or privilege society and
those that do not have the privilege. Sameness ensures inequality, not equality. (Adler
Neil Noddings Philosophy of education 2012 pg. 202) Computer Simulations and
Models (CSMs) need not be for the elite CSMs (using raspberry pi, Chromebook, tablets,
phones, or computers) can and should be used for all but not in the same way by all.
Above all, students should know how to utilize the surroundings, physical and social,
that exist so as to extract from them all that they have to contribute to building up
experiences that are worthwhile. (John Dewy, Experience & Education 1938 pg. 40)
We are here to create an environment in which we may let participants construct models,
which relate to teacher based classroom experiments engaging them a new virtual design,
which connects back to their laboratory experience. Experience is educative only if it
produces growth if that is, students leave that experience more capable or interested in
engaging in new experience. (Nel Noddings, Philosophy of education 2012 pg. 26)

By gaining equal access to learning, 21 century learning can occur bridging the gap for
those with digital illiteracies. Our program will teach teachers and students to use CSMs
online technology allowing participants/teachers with multitude styles of teaching to
teach learners of intelligences and modes of learning. This will foster creative thinking
and critical thinking skills in a digital environment allowing in science and STEM design
and hypothesis testing opportunities for all. But observation alone is not enough. We
have to understand the significance of what we see, hear, and touch. (John Dewy)

There is need for technology as it provides new experiences to create a digital literacy for
participants CSMS access can be a great equalizer-allowing participants equal

Compiled by Susan A. Lynham, Ph.D., Colorado State University

EDRM 702-Foundations in Educational Research: One Pager Assignment Template

opportunity in our brave new world. The principle goal of education in the schools
should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply
repeating what other generations have done.(Jean Piaget)

Given your above described research interest, motivation, and the informing research
problem/issue, what would you describe as the explicit objectives/purpose of your
research study (the focusing Research Objective/s)?:
On the other hand, our mission is to provide support for schools and teachers with
resources (How to Teaching and Grants) to be able to use CSM such as Net Logo models
in classrooms to facilitate equal opportunity for participant(s)/teachers.
What research question/s would you need to ask and address in order to achieve your
research objective/s and address your research problem/issue (the guiding Research
Question/s)?:
How will this technology benefit the teachers classroom?
Will giving support locally to provide equal opportunity through teaching and technology
access, close gaps in technologically poor communities?
If you were to title (keep it brief and to one sentence) your proposed research study, what
might that title be (the encapsulating Research Topic)?:
How can undergraduates and secondary schools use computer simulations and models
like Netlogo to provide equal opportunity to test hypothesis and design/construct their
learning though the use of such technology?

Compiled by Susan A. Lynham, Ph.D., Colorado State University