Fully-funded PhD Studentship in ‘Design-based Research for Open Inquiry Learning’
Applications are invited for a fully-funded studentship in the field of design-based research for Open Inquiry Learning. This is associated with the recent appointment of Professor Mike Sharples to a Chair in Educational Technology.
With an international reputation for research, a supportive environment and excellent research facilities, CREET offers unique opportunities for postgraduate research. The studentship will be associated with its Institute for Educational Technology.
The scope of the PhD is to build upon recent research into technology-supported inquiry learning and mass-participation citizen science. The challenge will be to conduct a design based research study (Wang & Hannafin, 2005) into open toolkits for inquiry learning – where people can form communities to propose, plan, carry out, share and discuss science inquiries. The target population could be distance learning students, or more generally, adults with a personal interest to explore a science topic.
The specific research questions, methods, and research plan for the PhD will be proposed in the PhD application, and refined as part of the PhD study. This will require developing and applying a deep understanding of citizen science, inquiry-based learning, and design of technologies to orchestrate learning.
For direct entry to the PhD you should have, or expect to gain, a recognised Research Masters qualification in Educational Technology or a related area. For entry to the MRes you should have a 2.1 degree or above in a relevant subject area.
The Open University is one of the UK’s leading Research Institutions. In the 2008 RAE over 50% of its research was rated as “world leading” or “internationally excellent”.
There is currently a vibrant international community of students studying the MRes and PhD programmes. The Open University provides excellent support for students and offers a full range of training in computer, library and presentation skills. Students are normally expected to live within commuting distance of Milton Keynes.
Further information, including more details of CREET research, can be found at http://creet.open.ac.uk
For information on how to apply for the studentship go to http://www3.open.ac.uk/employment/, call Anne Foward, Student Coordinator, on 01908 655364 or e-mail CREET-student-enquiries@open.ac.uk
Closing date: 24 February 2012. Interviews will commence in April / May 2012.
Equal Opportunity is University Policy.
