Module Code - Title:
EL6013
-
MA IN TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION AND E-LEARNING DISSERTATION
Year Last Offered:
2024/5
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To enable the student to work independently on a complex project.
To enable the student to select either a design-focussed or theory-focussed research project.
To enable the student to manage the various stages of the project.
To consolidate a rigorous standard of academic writing and research.
To guide the student through the process of: gathering and analysing data, reporting findings, and producing a well written and cogently argued thesis.
Syllabus:
This module follows on from the taught elements of the MA in Technical Communication and E-Learning. Students are assigned a supervisor, and choose to research a topic related to either Technical Communication or E-Learning. They may also select a topic which is relevant to both disciplines. The project may have a major development component. All students are expected to research an original topic Students must work independently, with guidance from the supervisor.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students are able to:
Select an appropriate and original research or development project.
Choose relevant readings on the topic.
Critically evaluate readings.
Organise the research project.
Design a controlled study to test a hypothesis.
Conduct a research study.
Design, develop and evaluate a project.
Acknowledge and reference sources.
Question and defend the research hypothesis and methods.
Analyse the findings of their research study.
Relate their findings to published research.
Recommend further research.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
N/A
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
For EL6013, the summer dissertation module, students work independently with direction from supervisors. There are no contact hours on this module. Students are encouraged to attend relevant postgraduate seminars. The student and supervisor agree a schedule for: meetings, email communication, and review of work. This module responds to graduate attributes by encouraging students to take responsibility for a piece of research, and through the design and execution of a research project, to contribute to the body of knowledge in their field. Students must be proactive in arranging meetings with their supervisor.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Dick, W., Carey, L., & Carey, J.O. (2009)
The Systematic Design of Instruction. 7th edition
, London: Pearson.
Hughes, Michael and George Hayhoe (2007)
A Research Primer for Technical Communication: Methods, Exemplars, and Analyses
, Lawrence Erlbaum
Johnson-Eilola, Johndan (2004)
Central Works in Technical Communication
, Oxford University Press
MacNealy, M.S. (1999)
Strategies for Empirical Research in Writing
, Allyn and Bacon
Horton, W. (2000)
Designing Web-Based Training
, New York, Chichester: Wiley
Other Relevant Texts:
Preece, J., Rogers, Y. Sharp, H. (2002)
Interaction Design: Beyond Human-Computer Interaction
, New York, NY ; Chichester:J. Wiley & Sons
Nielsen, J. (2000)
Designing Web Usability
, Indianapolis, Ind.:New Riders
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Summer
Module Leader:
ann.marcus.quinn@ul.ie