Case Study: Use of video case studies to highlight issues in Qualitative research Methods

The use of this e-learning approach

The aim is ‘the integration of video texts into content and delivery, providing examples which illuminate issues in Qualitative Research Methods at Masters level.’

Context

• within Qualitative Research Methods (level 1 and 2) Master's level modules
• within the MA in Social Science Research Methods
• the students are:

-a few internal applicants
-a small number of overseas students
-students from Sports and Tourism courses at Sheffield Hallam University
-a number of others from Applied Social Studies

Implement of this e-learning approach

• It was used an action-based approach to research
• The results of the research were disseminated at several conferences
• Very little additional support or training was needed due to the simplicity format of the streaming video.
• ‘The collection of Online Visual Resources is currently merely listed alphabetically by themed area - but the resource would clearly be better presented as a wiki file, and this is being planned for the near future’
• A non-copyright collection is being produced for the use of Google video links.
• Academic target: ‘Develop a range of learning contexts & models to meet the needs of a diverse student population & provide opportunities for culturally-diverse learning experiences.’
  

Technology Used

• Short videos were produced
• Professional assistance was used for higher quality in camera work and sound
  The videos were placed onto the Helix Server and onto a website hosted by C-SAP (http://www.teachingrace.bham.ac.uk/resource_overview.htm)
• The materials were available on BlackBoard sites
• Collection of online video material on the public domain:
  · YouTube
  · Google Video
  · NewfilmOnline
  

Benefits

• increase in the interest expressed by students in visual methods
• enhance the value of using small amounts of video
• students who have been exposed to critical approaches to visual research are more likely to become what Bell Hooks (1997) has termed 'enlightened witnesses'
• the development of a more active research culture at department and faculty level
• this approach has assisted a social justice agenda, vulnerable groups like those who contributed to the video sequences have actively used images and articles from the production to support their case for remaining on the contested home site.
• the universal appeal of the materials and the method of integrating visual culture into the research process.
• important aspect of ongoing professional development

Disadvantages

• Requirement of technical knowledge and is time consuming.
• Visual methods can be inappropriate and intrusive, require lengthy periods to build trust, and are best used in a collaborative fashion which can take much longer.
• Visual evidence may give the illusion of objectivity
• Need to be used in conjunction with other forms of evidence in research.
• Needs to complement other texts when used in teaching and to encourage reading
• May encourage a passive form of learning if not used interactively and in conjunction with developed teaching strategies
• In terms of the use of other visual resources such as online video clips there are issues of copyright and their use on and off campus is uncertain and must be carefully considered
  Lessons Learned
• Overall the use of digital video is beneficial as long as the design of the resource and integration into teaching is carefully considered.
• This visual approach is complex, and can be time consuming but the benefits to social scientists are many.