Kathi+Middleton

I am interested in researching the role of cloud computing on revolutionizing education. Cloud technology is transforming the way that students and educators interact and learn. There are many benefits to cloud computing technology including larger offerings of multimedia resources including free videos. Cloud computing requires advanced management and security protocol to manage and secure the additional resources that are made available. How is cloud technology revolutionizing education? How does the student and educator use of cloud computing enhance the learning experience? How does the use of cloud technology in the classroom compare to similar technology? What is the role of cloud computing applications in advancing learning? Cloud computing enables increased functionality in online learning environments and thus I am leaning towards the online learning theory as the framework for my research. Anderson (2004) asserts that the Internet provides increase opportunities and advanced learning for students with the increased selection of information. The online theory provides a framework for how material should be developed for online learning in a cloud technology environment. Cloud computing is revolutionizing the Internet, making its capabilities and resources available anywhere and at anytime. This phenomenon is taking online higher education to another level. My research study will be founded on the Connectivism and Social Learning theories. The Connectivism theory encourages student collaboration to identify connections in research, ideas and methodology. Cloud computing supports this theory by introducing new sources of content to support scholars identifying new areas of learning. The Social Learning Theory is learning that takes place through social forums such as blogs, social networking and wiki’s. Cloud computing puts this communication mediums at the hands of students and teachers 24X7 transforming the learning experience. In researching the role of cloud technology in education – I will research the following topics: 1. Research the impacts that the accessibility of free applications and services through the Cloud has on the teacher and student learning experience. I will identify new learning opportunities that are availed with free applications and sources. I will explore cost-effective benefits to students and teachers from reduced expenses of licenses and hardware due to application upgrade compatibility with the Cloud. 2. Research the environmental advantages of reducing physical infrastructure with the cloud in comparison to the additional energy consumption that is required through cloud services. Cloud infrastructure reduces the need for additional storage and hardware to support increasingly changing application versioning. 3. Research the impact of enabling cloud computing for real time learning experiences in higher education. Cloud allows students to stay connected to discussion boards and communication tools that foster continuous learning. Real time responsiveness allows additional flexibility to meet career and educational demands. 4. Evaluate the impact of expanded connections and content on scholarly research. Cloud computing promotes openness of information. Additional sources of information, creates the desire for students to research more extensively and challenge a new set of information. 5. Research how institutions can utilize the cloud to offer a unique and unparalleled learning experience for students. Institutions have the opportunity to revitalize online learning forums with cloud technology. Additional features and access to applications can be made available on the site as well as improved experiences with additional bandwidth capabilities. Online learning is becoming increasingly popular igniting the use of free web based application technology to deliver cost effective learning solutions. Diaz (2011) asserts that almost 25% of students are utilizing web 2.0 technologies such as wikis, social networking sites, online text books, calendars and bibliographies, however many students lack an understanding of the learning capabilities of these tools. There is a great deal of research on the benefits of cloud technology in delivering an unparalleled learning experience. However there is little to no research on how students can be educated on how every day web tools can be utilized to facilitate learning. My research will address the following questions: How can educational institutions utilize 2.0 tools made available through cloud technology to transform the student’s learning experience? How can organizations protect students and the organization from security concerns that become more within reach with cloud technology? What environmental factors should be considered to successfully implement cloud technology? Cloud technology enables universities to offer advanced web technology including free application and tools to collaborate, research and share ideas. Students are traditionally used to researching topics through research databases including review of articles, books and journals. Enhanced technology now allows students to communicate with peers and experts across the world gaining first hand knowledge and perspective. As these abilities continue to increase it becomes increasingly important to educate students on how to facilitate this communication and verify it. None of the articles referenced theory, there is little research on cloud computing. My research study will be based upon the social learning theory believing that people learn through social interaction.
 * Learning Community Project: Preparation for a Research Study **
 * Module 1: The Purpose of Dissertation Research **
 * Research Interests: **
 * Research Questions: **
 * Theoretical Foundations: **
 * Module 2: Literature Review **
 * Module 3: What Questions Should We Be Asking? **
 * Gap in the Research **
 * Research Questions **
 * Problem Statement **


 * Theory **
 * Qualitative: Grounded theory || Grounded theory is helpful in establishing data and research in the development of new theory. Creswell (1998) discusses the steps of conducting a grounded theory study including the elements of stating a problem and conducting specific coding practices. || Cloud technology is fairly new and thus there is limited knowledge and experimental data available. || Katz (2008) examines the benefits of open content including free software through cloud technology. A 2006 ECAR study identified technology patterns amongst international students and dispelled the belief that technology was a must fit all approach. ||
 * ** Qualitative: Case Study ** || A qualitative study is best used for exploratory research where this is little research. With the case study methodology - input and assumptions are made based upon participant’s responses (Creswell, 2007). || Performing a case study with only 30 students may limit feedback compromising the validity of the study. || A case study is conducted on implementing a lab with cloud technology Li (2010). ||
 * ** Quantitative: Content analysis ** || Quantitative Content Analysis is useful is summarizing data to tell a story about communicating. This methodology will be helpful in analyzing student’s engagement with cloud technology. || With minimal research available on the technology it may be difficult and imprecise to examine research on cloud technology. || This study analyzes issues that should be considered when implementing cloud technology (Freedman, 2012). ||
 * ** Mixed Method: Case Study ** || This study incorporates the best practices from both quantitative and qualitative methodologies || This method will require solid steps in identify data analysis for both qualitative and quantitative methods. Without solid steps there is an opportunity to provide conflicting information based on the study type. || A mixed method study will analyze quantitative and qualitative data on technology factors around implementation’ and benefits and issues from a learning perspective. ||


 * Module 4: Research Paradigms: Methodologies and Traditions **


 * ** Research Methodology ** || ** Strengths ** || ** Limitations ** || ** Primary Source for this Methodology ** ||
 * Qualitative: Grounded theory || Grounded theory is helpful in establishing data and research in the development of new theory. Creswell (1998) discusses the steps of conducting a grounded theory study including the elements of stating a problem and conducting specific coding practices. || Cloud technology is fairly new and thus there is limited knowledge and experimental data available. || Katz (2008) examines the benefits of open content including free software through cloud technology. A 2006 ECAR study identified technology patterns amongst international students and dispelled the belief that technology was a must fit all approach. ||
 * Qualitative: Case Study || A qualitative study is best used for exploratory research where this is little research. With the case study methodology - input and assumptions are made based upon participant’s responses (Creswell, 2007). || Performing a case study with only 30 students may limit feedback compromising the validity of the study. || A case study is conducted on implementing a lab with cloud technology Li (2010). ||
 * Quantitative: Content analysis || Quantitative Content Analysis is useful is summarizing data to tell a story about communicating. This methodology will be helpful in analyzing students’ engagement with cloud technology. || With minimal research available on the technology it may be difficult and imprecise to examine research on cloud technology. || This study analyzes issues that should be considered when implementing cloud technology (Freedman, 2012). ||
 * Mixed Method: Case Study || This study incorporates the best practices from both quantitative and qualitative methodologies || This method will require solid steps in identify data analysis for both qualitative and quantitative methods. Without solid steps there is an opportunity to provide conflicting information based on the study type. || A mixed method study will analyze quantitative and qualitative data on technology factors around implementation’ and benefits and issues from a learning perspective. ||


 * Research Questions **
 * ** Research Questions ** || ** Methodology ** || ** Sample ** || ** Data Collection ** || ** Statistical Analysis ** ||
 * Are students able to transform the traditional learning setting and utilize web 2.0 tools through cloud technology to enhance their learning experience? || Qualitative/grounded theory || 30 online students || Surveys will be conducted to poll students on their online experience to understand the impact of new technology enabled by the cloud. || n/a ||
 * What type of boundaries and/or validity education needs to take place to ensure that social communication produces quality learning? || Qualitative/case study || 30 online students and their instructors || Focus groups will be administered to obtain feedback on issues encountered with cloud technology and identify parameters that need to establish to foster a constructive environment. || n/a ||
 * What environmental factors need to be considered for a successful implementation of cloud technology? || Quantitative/ content analysis || 30 online students and their instructors and administrators/technology advisors supporting the class. || Surveys and focus groups will be administered to identify system requirements and issues. || n/a ||


 * Module 5: After the Data Is Collected: What Then? ** :
 * Significance of the Study **.

How will your study fill a gap in the current research?

Online learning is becoming increasingly popular igniting the use of free web based application technology to deliver cost effective learning solutions. Diaz (2011) asserts that almost 25% of students are utilizing web 2.0 technologies such as wikis, social networking sites, online text books, calendars and bibliographies, however many students and institutions lack an understanding of the learning capabilities of these tools. There have been numerous research studies on the benefits of cloud technology in delivering an unparalleled learning experience. However there is little to no research on how students can be educated on how every day web tools can be utilized to facilitate learning. How will your research advance the profession of educational technology? In answering my research questions I will identify the learning rewards of utilizing cloud technology, including advanced access to free software and applications, increased data to tailor learning environments to students and more scalability options with decreased infrastructure needs. The research will also address security, infrastructure and learning curriculum preparation that will need to take place in preparation for cloud technology. How will your research effect positive social change through the “improvement of human or social conditions by promoting the worth, dignity, and development of individuals, communities, organizations, institutions, cultures, or societies”. Freedman (2012) asserts that cloud technology has revolutionized the consumer experience on the Internet by utilizing data to create a tailored client experience. These type of advancements are needed in the education sector and cloud technology can bring this needed change to fruition. Leveraging cloud technology In the educational system expands the world of learning to both students and teachers by opening access to software and technologies that have previously been constricted for numerous reasons including bandwidth and costs. Cloud technology allows the Internet to become the primary backbone for learning, removing infrastructure barriers and limitations. These type of open access advancements will help to close the gap on the digital divide and advance society as a whole. Identify and justify your selection of three journals to which you would like to submit an article on this research. In one sentence, describe why you selected these journals. I chose to disseminate my research into the following journals because they will allow the necessary exposure to both technologist and scholars to advance the dissemination of cloud technology. The Educational Technology Research and Development solely focuses on the advancements of technology in the field of education and would be privy to the latest trends and specialization in cloud technology. The Journal, The American Education Research Journal and Educational Technology Research and Development Identify and justify your selection of two professional conferences where you would like to present your research. In one sentence, explain why you selected these conferences. I chose to present at the following conferences, because they have a reputation for being a leader in the introduction of emerging technology in the education field. – the 2013 ISTE Conference is soliciting studies in the cloud computing area. The 2012 AECT Conference theme is Globalization and cloud technology has a future integral role in this model.
 * Dissemination of Research: **

References AECT., (2012). Association of Educational Communications and Technology. []

AERA., (2012). The American Education Research Journal. http://www.aer.sagepub.com/

Anderson, T. (2004). //Towards and Theory of Online Learning.// In Anderson, T. & Elloumi, F. Theory and Practice of Online Learning. Athabasca University

Creswell, J. W. (1998). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five traditions. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.

Creswell, J. W. (2007). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Method Approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.

Cruz, L. (August, 2011). How Cloud Computing is Revolutionizing Education. The Network. Retrieved from []

Deubel, P. (September, 2006). The Value of Connectivism. The Journal. Retrieved from http://blogs.gartner.com/thomas_bittman/2008/11/26/cloud-computing-and-k-12-education/

Diaz, V. (2011). Cloud-Based Technologies: Faculty Development, Support, and Implementation. Journal Of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 15(1), 95-102.

Freedman, G. (2012). Cloud Technology Can Lift the Fog Over Higher Education. Chronicle of Higher Education, 58(35), B22-B23.

ISTE., (2012). International Society for Technology in Education. []

Katz, R. et al. (2008) [|The Tower and the Cloud: Higher Education in the Age of Cloud Computing]. //Boulder CO: EDUCAUSE//

Li, C. (2010). Development of Computer Lab with Open Source Private Cloud Technology. //Journal Of Technology Integration In The Classroom//, //2//(3), 91-100.

Nayab, N. (2011). Common Mistakes While Formulating a Six Sigma Problem Statement. Retrieved from http://www.brighthubpm.com/change-management/69581-common-mistakes-while-formulating-a-six-sigma-problem-statement/

The Journal., (2012). Transforming Education Through Technology. __ http://www.thejournal.com __ Satwicz, T., & Stevens, R. (2008). A distributed perspective on collaborative activity. In Spector, J. M., Merrill, M. D., Merrienboer, J. V., & Driscoll, M. P. (Eds.). (2008). Handbook of research on educational communications and technology (3rd ed.). New York: Lawrence Eribaum Associates.

Spector, J.M., Merrill, M.D., Merrienboer, J.V., & Driscoll, M.P. (Eds.). (2008). //Handbook of research on educational communications and technology// (3rd ed.). New York: Lawerence Eribaum Associates.