The pilot study will emphasise on potential research area that upholds the notion of inclusion of digital learning platform within secondary schools. Research revealed that online learning underpinning the opportunities for students in terms of enhancing their performance and engagement within setting. However, criticism regarding using digital platform depicts that it reduces interaction with peers and instructors and further lead to isolation (Wang et al, 2022). Digital learning platform explicated as a set of interactive online services that provides opportunities to learner so they can access resources, information and tools for meeting their learning needs. Inclusion of digital technology in secondary education encouraging knowledge creation. In the study of Singh Sharma and Paliwal, (2021) it was specified that online platform supports both educators and students for achieving their critical goals that ultimately develops ideal learning environment. Digital learning further criticised due to lack of student engagement and this is mainly due to physical absence of teacher and lack of direct communication with students, which is where Online Assignment Help can provide additional guidance.
The Social Cognitive Theory [SCT] emphasis on external and the internal social reinforcement that triggers unique behavioural pattern of humans. This is a kind of learning theory which depicts that student observe and analyse the behavioural pattern of peers and subsequently, implies this behaviour while learning (Sutarni et al, 2021). Nevertheless, research elucidates that SCT cannot be implied on digital platform as it does not provide opportunities to students in terms of observing peers and educators (Huda, 2023). Nationally and globally, learners’ voices played pivotal role in undertaking change within education sector. Digital learning is one of those changes that supports individual needs of learners. Huda, (2023) depicted that via digital learning educator can tailor their curriculum for meeting individual needs and it further facilitates personalised learning experience.
It enhances student performance to greater extent by providing them varied options through which students can undertake learning procedure. Digital learning platform provides individualised materials, collaborative platform, interactive tools and real time feedback to students (Kizi, 2024). These components are proven crucial in enhancing student engagement. Most importantly, it increases the engagement of students. The group discussion is undertaken on online platform that provides opportunity to each student so they can put their points (Bhat, 2023). Thus, there is no doubt in stating that digital platform provides opportunities to students so they can show their potential which significantly results in enhancing their learning.
However, there are certain notable concerns identified regarding the practical implementation of digital platform. Lack of knowledge persist to be the topmost concern in this context and it has the potential to create drastic impact on student performance and engagement in secondary schools (Tang et al, 2022). When educators do not possess digital knowledge then they are unable to instruct students and this acts as a significant barrier in teaching and learning process. Therefore, it is pivotal to organise training session within setting so that educators can be trained regarding this context. Furthermore, technological glitch develops significant barriers while undertaking learning through online platform, risk related to breaching of privacy are higher in using digital platforms (Decuypere, Grimaldi and Landri, 2021). These are the contextual arguments made in the pursuit of using digital platform in secondary schools.
It is important to undertake research for witnessing the affect of digital learning platforms on the performance and engagement of students. For this assignment, I have devised a research question that analyse the impacts of digital learning platforms on student engagement and performance in secondary schools (Bhat, 2023). Digitalisation in education sector after COVID-19 is booming to greater extent and research in this area underpin realistic concepts and insights comprised with digital learning. Furthermore, it acts as a guidance for educators and subsequently, they will become able to analyse about the ways in which digital learning platform can be used.
Main Research Question
Sub Research Questions
There are different digital learning platforms such as Moodle, Canvas LMS, Blackboard Learn, Google Classroom, Kahoot, Microsoft team and so on are used within secondary schools. Educators uses these platforms for undertaking varied activities such as delivering lessons, conducting assessment and quizzes, assigning homework, tracking student progress, sharing resources, facilitating group projects and so on (Sutarni et al, 2021). This led to increase learners’ participation and further encourage them to engage in learning process. Online platform also guides educators in terms of tracking the progress of students and furthermore, teachers can make individualised learning plan as per the requirements of leaners (Vidergor, 2021). Hence, there is no doubt in stating that online learning has been developing consistent support for educators and learners that ultimately lead to enhance academic outcomes.
However, certain loopholes; technical issues, lack of knowledge, limited student access, time constraint and other issues are creating major complexities in using online learning platforms. There is need to identify all of these challenges and in-depth analysis requires to be undertaken so that robust mechanism could be implemented and effectual outcomes can be gained (Haleem et al, 2022). Therefore, pilot study will be undertaken and realistic outcomes would be developed that guides educational settings. The prior focus would be developed on setting robust strategy for allocation and analysing data and subsequently, findings would be developed.
For current pilot study, a questionnaire [Mentioned in appendix 1] was selected as a data collection tool. The aim aligns with the allocation of qualitative and quantitative insights and this enabled me to conduct an important interpretive study. Using questionnaire proves to be beneficial in offering standardised questions to candidates, it often supported in gaining the responses of participants in context of research area and developed important insights (Pandey and Pandey, 2021). Pilot study expounded as a small-scale test of questionnaire before it has been administered to larger respondents. It supports in identifying and resolving potential problems within survey design. The prior focus implemented on unclear wording, ambiguous instruction and irrelevant questions. In response to my research question, I wanted to undertake a test for gaining detailed insights (Habu and Henderson, 2023). Rationale behind using questionnaire comprised with different contextual benefits and the topmost one entails with data accuracy. Online questionnaire can be use for wider audience and real time response can be received that ensure higher accuracy.
Microsoft 365 was used for creating questionnaire and 17 questions were mentioned by considering research context. This provided opportunities to participants in terms of sharing their views in broader manner. It has further supported in underpinning diverse approach and consequently equal opportunities was given to each of the participant so they can share their response and views regarding digital learning platform and its impacts. The accessibility of the online questionnaire support recruitment procedure from diverse perspective which can be used on larger samples while allowing to undertake accessible methods that contributes in extending research population (Dzwigol, 2022). Questionnaire is cost-effective which supports in reducing the cost of research as well. Though, online questionnaire proves to be positive from diverse perspective, however, requirement of literacy skill in this considered as major disadvantage. There is risk of excluding participants who does not possess effectual literacy skill and this raise concerns related to inclusion and diversity.
However, the risk related to these complexities could be combatted to an extent through providing reassurance that candidates does not have to worry about grammatical and spelling errors. Furthermore, while looking at the data collection procedure it is important to undertake digital divide for some specific population group. It supports in reducing risk related to the exclusion of vulnerable and underprivileged communities (Singh, 2022). During whole procedure the major focus specified of participant ability, motivation and interest as these are considered as the vital component in recruitment procedure and it further supports in determining sample size. When the questionnaire is used for larger sample size then there is need to focus on close and numerical questions. On the other hand, when questionnaire is used for small sample size then more open questions should be included so that detailed insights regarding research area can be gained.
While utilising questionnaire it is important to focus on the series and structure so that appropriate understanding can be gained. The language must be easy and understandable for participants and no complex questions should be included. Participants strain can result in poor response or this can further lead to no response (Gupta and Gupta, 2022). Thus, long questionnaire can develop mental fatigue which further result in poor response. Therefore, it is important to include limited and important questions within questionnaire. Moreover, in this context major role has been played by researcher as they motivate and encourage participants for providing valid and authentic responses. In current study questions has been devised while looking upon the research requirement. The sub questions were developed from the main research question and afterwards the questionnaire was designed. It ensures that the questions were developed via emphasising on the core research area (Aguinis, 2023). The question was developed by considering toolkits, I have identified the key themes for dividing sections within questionnaire and those are-
I have further used toolkit for recognising the common features of digital platform and utilised these for framing questions. The questions were the mixture of quantitative and quantitative format. I have used Likert scale system for designing the close ended questions. Furthermore, I have used open text field for additional comments and certain open-ended questions were asked for gaining detailed insights related to research area. Appropriate structure has been followed while adhering with guidelines. The initial questions are asking about the teaching experience and subject specialisation. This helps in analysing whether for different subject digital learning platform proves to be effectual or not. In the views of Mishra, and Alok, (2022) survey provides detailed framework and it covers larger audience for developing outcomes. The open-ended questions are suitable for small scale research. However, while conducting survey these questions can be used for gaining detailed insights from participants, this supports in analysing the candidates’ views. These questions leave responses for candidates so they can freely answer the important questions.
However, Susilawati et al, (2025) depicted that if there are varied number of open-ended questions then this can lead to irrelevant data and findings. Therefore, it is important to balance the questions so that appropriate insights can be gained. Questionnaire tool comes under primary data collection technique, it refers to that method in which information directly allocated from participants. It aligns with developing direct interception with the respondents (Hamzani et al, 2023). It enables analyst to gather real time information as each participant share their views and experience regarding research context. Hence, there is no doubt in stating that appropriate research method has been taken in consideration and accordingly questionnaire was prepared for gaining real time information. Open-ended questions have certain benefits but it could be time consuming and often this can cause reluctance for completing questions. There might be possibility that participants can feel discouraged and daunted due to these questions. Therefore, before undertaking analysis it is important to focus on this area as during analysis it is complex to compare data across different participants. This creates difficulty in the classification and coding of data. Whereas, close ended questions support in classification and coding process.
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The problems with data handling arise because of complex data, attempt to changing opinions into numbers developed complex situation and further it impacts the efficacy of findings (Djafar et al, 2021). This clearly signifies that quantitative method is more appropriate in comparison to qualitative. Open-ended questions do not facilitate coding and it is not easy to undertake comparison between participants. I have used both the questions and considerably a mixed method format has been followed, close-ended questions used fort conducting statistical test while open-ended question provides detailed insights and by using thematic analysis themes implemented. I have also used multiple-choice question [MCQ] for undertaking likely range of the responses. While including MCQ it is important to avoid the residual category so that participants can easily select the option. The options should be considered in such manner that covers response categories. Thus, focus must be emphasised on involving likely response categories. It should focus on exhaustive range of the probable answers. MCQ’s can be quicky coded and subsequently, faster data processing can be undertaken. Thus, in current research context MCQ’s supports undertaking faster coding and data processing method so that outcomes can be developed.
An alternative of questionnaire is structured interview; this method offers varied advantages for collecting and assessing qualitative data. This further provide structured and standard format which allows consistency in whole data collection and analysis method (Ocaña-Fernández and Fuster-Guillén, 2021). It further permits in undertaking comparison between the response of candidates and accordingly common patterns and themes are identified for developing findings. Interview provides a standard format which is essential for undertaking a focused approach during data analysis procedure. Therefore, it proves to be useful in gathering reliable and comparable data. Furthermore, this process supports in reducing the interviewer bias as the questions are set in the standard format. However, structured interview is comprised with certain limitations, confine candidates’ response can create difficulty in setting the base for findings. Often it does not allow in exploration of the unforeseen topics (Cheong et al, 2023). The questionnaire with open-ended question that has free text response allows in exploration of unanticipated context. The structured interview requires careful consideration of design for assuring that questions are relevant and clear so that data interpretation techniques can be easily implied. Thus, this significantly shows that interview method requires expertise so that appropriate questions can be designed. In case, if interviews questions are not well-designed then this eventually impacts efficacy of the findings. Furthermore, structured interviews are considered as time consuming which led to increase the complexity in research procedure. By considering the global spread of candidates and time differences, interview proves to be challenging.
Therefore, I am using questionnaire as it proves to be useful tool in current research context. Survey and Questionnaire is an effective measure for obtaining and collecting data because of practical implication and low-cost method. The possible limitation of the tool is that research context is exploratory in nature, emphasising on the experience and opinion of humans and therefore, it comprised with qualitative data, analysis and interpretation (Pal, 2023). Therefore, mixed approach preferred and by underpinning themes qualitative analysis is done. Moreover, for Likert questions, coding and statistical analysis is approached so that quantitative analysis of the data can be done. Based on the analysis this can be said that I have used appropriate tool for conducting the research. Conducting survey and using questionnaire promotes wider understanding related to research area and detailed insights regarding the research context could be developed and accordingly, effectual outcomes are going to be developed.
The reliability of the quantitative data depends upon the sample and their representative of target population. However, representation of the targeted population is not considered as an issue in current survey as it has been circulated through e-mail to the specific group [Secondary school teachers]. In current research, non-probability sampling method is used. It adheres with focusing om specific group for undertaking a small-scale study. Non-probability method aligns with selecting units from a subjective method, it requires complete survey fame. Further it is fast, easy and cost-effective way for obtaining data (Dehalwar and Sharma, 2023). Furthermore, risk related to biasness is less in non-probability sampling. In terms of size, this proves to be problematic, in order to gain quantitative data large sample size is needed. However, in practical life the requirement is compounded by real-time consideration that often targets the stakeholders of certain groups. Therefore, adequate sample size is required. The responding rate on online survey is typically less that develops impact on data collection and analysis procedure. However, the chosen group is teachers of secondary schools, these individuals are accountable and professionalised towards their practices and tasks (Aityan, 2022). Therefore, adequate response gathered from the sample population and selected sample size was 30 as it supports in undertaking quantitative analysis of the gathered information.
For analysis of the quantitative data, I have undertaken statistical analysis. It is considered as the process of collecting, analysing and evaluating data in large volumes for presenting valuable and important insights (Limone et al, 2022). Statistical analysis has been proven appropriate in terms evaluating numerical information and therefore, this approached in current research. SPSS was used and frequency table was developed along with creating bar graph and charts. The charts have shown higher level of confidence and subsequently, effectual interpretation has been done. However, on the other hand certain criticism of statistical analysis has been witnessed. The accuracy of statistical analysis is mainly depended upon the sample size and this significantly shows that if less sample size has been considered then, this led to impact the accuracy of the outcomes (Ratten, 2023). There are chances of biasness if sample does not represent from population.
Furthermore, there are higher chances of technical and measurement errors if the data has not been accurately recorded. These are the major complexities aligned with statistical analysis. However, these issues can be managed by selecting larger sample size. Moreover, specific focus requires to be implemented on gaining the expertise so that software can be used appropriately and this further supports in reducing the chances of errors (Taherdoost, 2021). Thus, it can be said that statistical analysis is appropriate in current research context as it supports in undertaking detailed analysis via considering numerical domains. SPSS enable researcher in terms of building and validating predictive models by using advance statistical procedure. The text analysis supports in deriving insights from inputs through the open-ended questions (Goldstein, 2022). Whereas, visualisation designer enabling researcher for using their data for visual representation. The qualitative analysis aiming to turn data into findings, it is not considered as straightforward and it further produces multiple interpretations. The data analysis method has the potential to influence research creditability and procedure.
Therefore, it is highly important to select appropriate method. The major focus requires to be implied on research context so that effectual findings can be developed, in current context qualitative and quantitative both type of insights allocated (Popenoe et al, 2021). Therefore, it is important to select suitable data analysis method, for qualitative information thematic is suitable while for quantitative data, statistical is appropriate. I have used both the analysis method so that appropriate insights can be developed.
From the literature it has been identified that thematic analysis supports in exploring the research area and subsequently, different themes could be developed. I have mentioned some of the open-ended questions in questionnaire and these questions are used for developing themes regarding influence of digital learning platform on student engagement and performance. There are wider benefits of thematic analysis and this associates with cost-effectiveness, time-effectiveness. Furthermore, this method is easy to understand and therefore, it encourages effectual understanding of the finding (Poldrack et al, 2024). This is highly flexible approach which can be modified as per the requirement. As a result, there are less chances of errors within study. On the other hand, disadvantages of thematic analysis comprised with lack of standardisation method, it does not provide standardised format due to which certain criticism related to lack of standardisation has been made for thematic analysis. The chances of biasness are high in thematic analysis and this can influence the efficacy of finding. However, current research looking upon both the methods; statistical and thematic for undertaking the research procedure.
Weakness of one method can be overcome via strength of another method. Thus, contextual information from the analysis is revealing that thematic analysis is appropriate for qualitative information while statistical analysis is suitable for quantitative information (Kim and Shao, 2021). Presentation of data plays pivotal role in research; the efficacy of representation is based on the selected analysis method (Meeker et al, 2022). Therefore, it is important to select significant method, thematic analysis providing opportunity to researcher for developing individual themes regarding types, impacts and challenges in context of digital learning platform. In this manner, effectual understanding regarding the research area can be developed and wider insights could be gained. The statistical analysis is aligned with presenting charts, graphs and frequency table and this lead to enhance the data presentation which is crucial in research.
Thus, it can be said that both the method supports in presenting findings in effectual manner. Based, on the presented information it can be said that each method ahs its own advantages and disadvantages (Enders, 2022). However, the main aspect aligns with gaining expertise in analysis method so that challenges can be overcome and researcher will emphasise significant focus on this area so that effective outcomes can be gained via analysing gathered information.
In course of articulating my experiences and learning related to data collection and analysis tool, Gibbs reflective model will be used. It is the one of the most famous six stages cyclic model which includes description, feeling, evaluation, analysing, and conclusion and action plan (Gibbs reflective model, 2024). While conducting pilot survey for exploring the influence of digital leadership platform on the performance and engagement of secondary student, qualitative and quantitative research methods have been used. For collecting all the relevant information, primary data collection method have been used which help me in gathering first hand and original data. For collecting primary data, questionnaires were drafted which aids in gathering specific information related to the topic.
From the study, I have gained adequate knowledge regarding the utilization and applicability of questionnaires for gaining accurate information related to topic. Through this study, I have understood that data collection tool should be decided after critically evaluating objective of the study. Moreover, I understood that for effectively using questionnaires method one should identify the targeted respondent and adequate method through which questionnaires will be filled up. I have identified that there are four crucial methods by which questionnaires could be filled up by respondent that includes filling from through interest, interview, personal contact and telephone. I have opted for online based questionnaires which aids in collecting information from wider target market, aids in gathering enormous amount of data which aids in gaining better insight of the research issue. My understanding regarding the importance of including adequate type of questions has also enhanced. While forming questionnaires, I have avoided all type of sensitive or confidentiality question so that ethnicity of study could be maintained.
Further, I have learned the importance of following particular sequences in the questionnaires which help in maintaining logical flow and aids in engaging respondent in the study. Along with the process of data collection, I have also discovered invaluable information related to the data analysis process. Pilot survey includes large number of close and open ended question due to which I have opted for SPSS and thematic approach. The question related “determining experiences while using digital learning platform” could not be analysed through SPSS as it required numerical data. I have learned that in such situation, thematic data analysing method should be used which help in drafting themes and better interpreting the outcome. All the information collected through close ended question should be arranged in numerical manner through coding which aids effective interpreting data. I have also understood the process of coding and process of using software which enhances my capability to effectively interpret complex statistical data. Along with this, I am knowledge related to cause-and-effect relationship has also been enhanced which help in providing adequate information related to research topic. Further, the study help in enhancing my analytical and researching skill which help in effectively conducting research in future time.
Through this study, I have gained knowledge regarding the usage of SPSS which aids in effectively interpreting complex numerical data and help me in effectively understanding any issue. This skill will help in effectively interpreting any complex data based on which most adequate strategies and decision could be formed. In the context of determining the influence of digital platform on the engagement level of secondary student, questionnaires have been formulated while utilising gained knowledge. I have focused on following a logical flow of question so that all the required and accurate information could be gained. I focused on collecting both Quantitative and Qualitative data which help in effectively understanding the topic. For gathering quantitative data, various question related to “how often” and “rating” question has been asked while help in gaining specific information related to the topic. Further, I have also focused on collecting information related to respondent’s beliefs and experiences which aids in providing more adequate outcome of the study.
In this regard, I have asked variety of question related to “Impact of digital platform” and “provide recommendations for improvement” which help in understanding respondent’s point of view and gaining in-depth information related to the topic. Further, I have developed adequate questionnaires with the help of the gained knowledge which help audiences in providing adequate respondents. Through adequate sequence and maintaining ethnicity I was able to develop interest of the participant which helps in collecting most optimum information related to the topic. Further, my knowledge related to thematic approach helped me in drafting adequate themes and effectively representing the collected information.
Further, my knowledge regarding thematic will help in easily interpreting study outcome which will help in providing crucial and accurate information to the respondent. I have formulated three crucial themes based on which I have evaluated the data which help me in gaining ineffective insight of the study. Further, I have used SPSS software which helps in identifying correlation between different variable based on which cause and effect relationship could be established. This knowledge helps audiences in identifying all the interrelated factors so that most adequate actions could be initiated on the timely basis. Further, the outcome generated by using all the data collection and analysis tool will help in effectively creating awareness regarding the influence of digital platform.
All the audiences should integrate the data collection method which will help in easily understanding any issue based on which accurate decision could be taken. Tutor should effectively analyse the outcome of the study before included digital technology for teaching as it will help in providing all the potential impact of such technology so that most accurate decision could be taken. Further, this study outcome will also help tutor in understanding any behaviour change which will occurred in student and provide measures to handle such changes. Audiences should focus over critically analysed the outcome of the research which will help in gaining better understanding the research issue and support in taking most adequate measures. This study will help secondary standard teachers to understand the need and challenges of integrating technology in the education sectors.
Conclusion
The Pilot process has effectually highlighted about the unique characteristics of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. It focused on illustrating about the ways in which numerical data can provide summary whereas, quantitative data supports in exploring and undertaking in depth analysis of the topic. It is further specifying about the ways in which strength of one process can effectively counterpart the weakness of another process. The research has followed mixed method approach consisted with using survey framework in which two distinct separate phases has been undertaken. The qualitative techniques are found be aligned with exploration of the topic. However, it can intersect with the personal interest of candidates by increasing the chances of biasness. Further, it has identified that I am going to use software SPSS for undertaking quantitative analysis of the data. By using software, coding would be done for developing findings. The research area is comprised with understanding the impact of digital learning platform on student engagement and performance within secondary school. The context adheres with understanding the connections between variables “Digital learning platform”, “Student engagement” and “Student performance”. Thus, for recognising the correlation among variables statistical analysis is appropriate and therefore, this is selected.
Whereas, for analysing the impact, thematic analysis is preferred so that in-depth exploration can be done. By identifying common patterns, implementation of themes will be done that focus on addressing research questions. For developing online questionnaire for qualitative data, it is important to balance flexibility and structure. Using toolkit for developing questionnaire supported in improving the structure and series of questions. However, further improvements can be undertaken for designing and planning of the strategic questions for gaining valuable insights. Challenge in the pilot study associated with understanding the importance of questionnaire clarity, diverse population style and understanding participants. these are the major domains in pilot processing. Formative feedback proves to be crucial so that questionnaire can be refined. Advancing research skills are concerned careful consideration of information so that biasness can be avoid. Proficiency tools such as SPSS has been proven effective for thematic analysis.
However, its limitation supressed with lack of understanding. Thematic analysis framework supports in developing significant and important themes which are crucial for developing findings. For future work focus would be implied on enhancing data analysis skills along with considering alternative approaches so that wider understanding could be developed. Thus, varied insights developed through current pilot study and major focus has been implied on analysing the ways in which digital learning platform impacting student engagement and performance. I will use this learning in future research and effectual study would be conducted and realistic outcomes will be analysed that support wider audience to implement findings in their work practices.
References
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