Methodology

 

Paradigm

This study will be framed within a mixed paradigm in which researchers seek to understand phenomena occurring in natural settings (Creswell & Poth, 2016). This paradigm fits the study since we want to identify virtual use tool factors that influence the students’ achievements. In addition, this study will be conducted under a case study that involves the study of a case within a real-life, contemporary context or setting (Yin 2009), and grounded theory that moves beyond description and to generate or discover a theory, a “unified theoretical explanation.” (Corbin & Strauss, 2007, p. 107) for a process or an action.  The approaches collect data to generate and develop a theory about how something operates. Since we want to describe how the use of technology influences students' accuracy improvement for that we consider that those approaches are adequate for this purpose.

Design

The objective of this intervention is to leverage the potential of interactive online platforms as a strategic tool to enhance English language learning engagement and proficiency among high school students. Simultaneously, it aims to cultivate a collaborative and supportive learning environment conducive to language practice.

Approach

We plan to seamlessly integrate interactive online platforms into various language-centric activities, encouraging their use during discussions, collaborative projects, and language games. This integration aims to create an immersive and dynamic learning experience, leveraging the interactive features of online platforms to stimulate student engagement and participation. By capitalizing on the multimedia capabilities of these platforms, we intend to design activities that appeal to students' visual and auditory senses, enhancing their overall learning experience.

Implementation Strategy

The intervention will begin with an introduction to the interactive online platforms, highlighting their role as innovative tools for language learning and communication. We will gradually integrate these platforms into classroom activities, starting with introductory exercises and progressively advancing to more complex language tasks as students become familiar with the technology. Flexibility in approach will be essential, allowing for the adaptation of strategies based on students' individual learning styles and preferences. Additionally, ongoing support and guidance will be provided to ensure students feel comfortable navigating and utilizing the online platforms effectively.

Research role:

In the project "Implementation of educational technology tools to enhance L2 accuracy on students of 11th grade," our role as researchers encompasses leading and coordinating all aspects, starting from defining the research problem to interpreting the findings. We establish the study's conceptual framework, identifying the significance of integrating technology into English language education and addressing existing implementation gaps. Our responsibilities include selecting and designing appropriate research methods, overseeing ethical data collection, and rigorously analyzing the data for patterns and trends. We interpret the findings to contribute meaningfully to the body of knowledge on technology integration in language teaching, communicating our insights through research reports, presentations, and academic publications. Overall, our objective is to generate practical knowledge in language education through every stage of the research process.

Participants and settings

Students between the ages of 16 and 17 who are enrolled in eleventh grade make up the study's participants. The public school that these students attend is República de Colombia School, which is situated in the Engativa locality of Bogotá, Cundinamarca. Based on observations, students are generally involved in the classroom; that being said, there are times when certain individuals find it difficult to speak confidently in the target language because they have an A2 proficiency level in English language. Although student participation is generally high, there are specific situations in which students may show hesitation or insecurity when responding in the English language. It's crucial to remember that this observation is based just on our perspective and hasn't been verified by official assessments or interviews.

Data collection and Sampling

Field notes and journals play an important role in our research, particularly in studying the impact of implementation of educational methodologies and technological tools in the improvement of accuracy on students in L2. Field notes serve as our detailed, immediate records of observations made within the classroom setting. They capture the nuances of student behaviors, interactions with the virtual equipment, and instances where language confusion might arise during English language activities. These real-time notes offer a vivid picture of the classroom dynamics, ensuring that no detail is overlooked (Falk and Blumenreich, 2005).

Journals, on the other hand, provide us with a reflective platform (Falk and Blumenreich, 2005). They allow us to delve deeper into our interpretations, thoughts, and insights derived from these observations. In our journals, we critically analyze observed patterns, connect insights to existing theories, and explore emerging trends. They offer us the space to contemplate the significance of these observations, aiding in refining research questions and formulating deeper insights into the relationship between virtual tools interaction and language accuracy improvement. Together, these instruments complement each other, offering a comprehensive approach to capturing and interpreting the complexities of our research focus.

Surveys serve as a structured tool for gathering data from participants in a systematic manner (Falk and Blumenreich, 2005). Unlike reflective platforms like journals, surveys focus on eliciting specific responses related to research objectives. They provide researchers with a means to collect quantitative or qualitative data on a larger scale, enabling the exploration of trends, preferences, or correlations within a population. Survey data, once analyzed, contributes empirical evidence to support research findings and enhances the understanding of the phenomenon under investigation. Together with other methods, such as observations or interviews, surveys offer a comprehensive approach to capturing and interpreting research complexities.