Open-Source Software Technology Yields Success in Research Courses

Abstract

Using technology enhances learning, especially when teaching certain subjects. One such subject is a research class. On any level, teaching research can be particularly challenging because many students fail to grasp the value of it. Students lack previous exposure to research methodology and statistics, they do not recognize the growing need for knowledge workers in the labor market, and they do not connect with esoteric academic research courses in their own practical future opportunities.

Given the industry demand for students who can succeed in highly complex positions and the growing demand for educators to produce high-quality research, this article presents the results of a project based pedagogy using open-source software. A research course designed to meet these goals can expose students to the software and technology that can enable them to engage in current and future research projects. It can provide high-quality instruction in research methods and statistics and produce substantive research that meets academic publication standards and provides options for students, teachers, instructors, and professors to present at professional conferences.

Presubmission, expanded version attached

Keywords: Open Source Software, Research, Methods, Data Collection, Bibliographic Software, Statistical Analysis, Pedagogy, Teaching