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Research is a human activity based on intellectual investigation aimed at discovering,
interpreting, and revising human knowledge on different aspects of the world around
us.
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Learning Links Foundation has been actively involved in research studies in the
developmental domain. Learning Links Foundation implements research with the understanding
that they form the backbone of all innovations.
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The aim of the Foundation’s Innovation Initiative is to:
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1.
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To identify and demonstrate that open and user friendly innovation models are effective
and efficient to meet the needs of technology integrated education for all.
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2.
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To significantly increase the application of these models to the educational fraternity.
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All the projects of the Foundation have an in-built element of monitoring and evaluation.
At the Foundation, we understand that research provides perspective to the work
being done, in all dimensions.
Our teams of committed and experienced researchers have worked on diverse projects
attaining exemplary results. The nature of our work encompasses:
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Studying the impact of implemented projects.
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Doing action research, studying community interventions for improvement.
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Investigating enablers and barriers to technology integration in education.
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Supporting academic research in Universities.
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(a) Promoting research in the Integration of Technology in Teacher Education
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- Our research team was instrumental
in providing inputs to researchers from various Indian Universities on ‘Integration
of Technology in Education in Indian Universities’, in the conceptualizing, methodology
and pedagogy.
- The Foundation team also worked
for the organization of the National Research Workshop in the Integration of Technology
in Education to encourage researchers to work in the area of integration of technology
in education. In this workshop, 34 participants from 28 Universities participated.
Participants included Deans of Department of Education, Principals of Colleges of
Education and Teacher Educators. During the Workshop, the researchers developed
and modified research proposals.
- The Foundation has worked with
researchers from various Indian Universities to develop an online research discussion
forum to promote collaborative research.
- While, researchers are carrying
on the research projects in their respective universities the foundation proposes
to plan a research seminar where all the researchers who are part of this initiative
would share their research experiences, observations and findings.
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(b) Encouraging Best Practices in the Integration of Technology in Teacher Education
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- In collaboration with the Learning
Links Foundation research team, an implementation team of The National Assessment
and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an autonomous body established by the University
Grants Commission (UGC) is working to compile Best Practices in Technology integration
in Teacher Education in many teacher training institutions.
- The study began with an e-survey
conducted for teacher education institutions. This report is presently under publication.
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(c) Collaborating in the Research Study of Educational systems led by Deakin University,
Australia
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- Learning Links Foundation worked
with Deakin University Australia to study its education program in Asia Pacific
region. Ms. Carol Oakley from the Centre for Educational Leadership and Renewal
led this study. The study seeks to determine:
- Program impact on the teaching
practices of pre-service students once they gain teaching position.
- Identifying factors that support
and hinder the transfer of pre-service students’ learning from the program to their
teaching practice. This long term study began with a pilot program in 2004. In 2005
and 2006, the India chapter of the study was done by IMRB as an independent evaluator
.The study has most interestingly proved that technology integration impacts the
teachers in significant and multifarious ways.
- In the cognitive domain, it equips
them with skills to use technology effectively in their classroom processes.
- In the affective domain, it changes
their attitude towards technology supported teaching / learning, and often provides
motivation towards their profession.
- It also increases their confidence
levels. Many teachers said that it helps them develop as a person and as a professional.
The study report for 2006 has been published, and the report for 2007 is to be published
shortly.
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(d) Helping Improve Community Development Program
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- Learning Links Foundation has implemented
a community development program in Kerala under the Intel Education Initiatives.
The out-of-school program reaches out to children aged 8 – 16 and empowers them
through training on a technology literacy curriculum that they use towards increasing
their livelihood opportunities as well as helping develop their communities.
- Research in the initial phase was
able to suggest some effective implementation strategies. It also suggested changes
in the content and delivery of the training. These changes have enriched the program
and made learning more effective. As a result, the program has now been expanded
to reach out to all the 14 districts of Kerala.
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