Research Methods for Studying the Use of Computers in Literacy Classrooms

Literacy and technology studies: Past, present, future

“…Of course, there are no less problems and difficulties, particularly in studies which attempt to blend methods from different paradigms. Inevitable are tensions between relativist, postmodern approaches and traditional, positivist conceptions of research in this area (Snyder 1997a). …”

“…There are a number of useful overviews of the research, extending in their coverage, however, only to the mid-1990s (Bangert-Drowns 1993, Snyder 1993, Hawisher, LeBlanc, Moran & Selfe 1996, Snyder 1997a. As well as establishing what we already know about students, their literacy practices and the use of new technologies and suggesting what we still need to find out, they highlight the 1~ SNYDER difficulties of interpreting studies that reflect contrasting conceptual frameworks and differ in matters such as design, methods of data collection, variables examined and modes of analysis.…”