Some years ago whilst working on a DoDEA project with UNLV I added research to my workflow; I slipped it in before the analysis phase. I’d go out to the library there and used the online one at Capella where I earned my MS Ed. I learned there’s a lot of cool ways to connect learners with the stuff they’re learning.

A challenge I have in my present role is connecting trainees with each other, particularly online. Security concerns constrain using social media; there are cultural things at work too. Doing research, even if it’s only skimming the literature for ideas helps me develop better experiences and communicate to the powers-that-be there are other ways to increase the efficacy of knowldge transfer.

Sometimes serendipity takes a hand in helping me steer a new course. I learned from @JaneBozarth about Positive Deviance. I’m in the process of researching how agencies like mine connect use social engagment methods and tools to connect learners so they can exchange perspectives and reflect. I think this is vital as it can broaden their ability to think critically.

Anyway, I think we owe it to the people we serve with our educational products to continually do research, focused and environmental, to enable them to have the best learning experience possible given the constraints we face.

Thoughtful and timely stuff: thank you.