Creating a Research Process

 

1. Starting the Search

• While Google is often my first stop, I take a deliberate approach to refine my research question. When I dive into edtech topics, regardless of what it is, I usually start with these steps:
• Keyword Refinement: I create a set of keywords that are both broad and specific to my topic. This helps me find resources from various perspectives, from introductory overviews to in-depth analyses.
• Checking Reputable Sources: In addition to Google, I explore databases and websites with high-quality content, like *Edutopia, Education Week*, and *ISTE* (International Society for Technology in Education). For research studies, I use *Google Scholar* and the University of Richmond library to dive into peer-reviewed articles and empirical studies. These give me insights backed by research, which is crucial when evaluating the effectiveness of edtech strategies.
• I also like to utilize AI as a starting point for research.  This is a good point when starting from scratch however it is important to remember that AI can be wrong and should always be checked and adapted for your own language and purpose.

2. Tools for Saving, Organizing, and Sharing Information

As I gather resources, I use a combination of digital tools to keep everything organized:

• Google Docs: For quick notes or ideas that come up while browsing, Google Keep is my go-to. It’s convenient, synced across devices, and integrates with Google Docs, where I compile and expand notes into structured summaries or reports.
• Zotero: For research-heavy projects, I use Zotero to store and organize scholarly articles. It’s helpful in building a digital library of academic papers, and its citation tools make it easy to keep track of references.
• Bookmarking and Tagging: I use browser bookmarks organized by folders and tags. I have dedicated folders for topics like “EdTech,” “Professional Development,” and “Digital Equity.” This tagging system saves time when I need to access resources quickly.

3. Sharing and Collaborating

• Creating Summaries for Colleagues: I often summarize findings in a format tailored to the audience. This is usually easily done with some good prompt engineering for AI. When I’m sharing I will curtail these summaries for my audience.
• Collaborative Platforms: Google is great for sharing. I create shared folders or documents where team members can review, comment, and add their perspectives. 

Final Thoughts

Researching and learning about edtech is important to stay up to date on the latest developments. By staying organized, being critical of sources, and focusing on practical applications, you can uncover innovative tools and strategies that truly make a difference.