Innovations in Virtual Learning for Nigerian Education Post-COVID-19

A case study of four selected schools in Abakaliki, Nigeria.

An Applied Research Proposal Presented

in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree

Master of Education

University of the People

Instructor: Dr. Melissa LaDuke

October 09, 2023

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Ethical Considerations

Researching a topic for a paper is gathering evidence to support or refute the hypothesis

that the topic may be utilized to improve other students' access to information in the classroom in

the future. The researcher will rely on study participants to help and direct the research process in

order to successfully analyze the data for the research paper. Thus, it is crucial that the researcher

be familiar with and adhere to ethical principles and guidelines as the study is carried out. If

human subjects are used in a study, the study will be reviewed by an ethics committee or

institutional review board composed of individuals with expertise in research ethics to ensure

that all necessary precautions have been taken to protect the participants' rights and welfare. To

ensure the safety, privacy, and well-being of research participants, it is crucial that everyone

involved has a firm grasp on and is willing to abide by a set of ethical norms. An ethics

committee should examine any research involving human subjects to ensure compliance with all

applicable ethical standards (WHO, 2023, p. 1).

Considerations During Intervention Implementation

The implementation of appropriate interventions throughout the data collection phase of

research is of utmost importance, necessitating ethical considerations and garnering the support

of all parties involved. The collection of research data should comply with core ethical norms

and demonstrate respect for individuals, encompassing principles such as voluntary participation,

politeness, sensitivity, and ensuring data security. In most studies involving human subjects, it is

imperative that individuals provide informed permission and engage in voluntary participation,

as it is a fundamental need dictated by the principle of respect for persons (Office for Human

Research Protections [OHRP], 2022, p. 3, para. 5).

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 Based on the guidelines provided by the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP,

2022), it is reasonable to trust that the researcher has taken into account all essential

interventions required for the implementation of this study. Forms will be employed to apprise

parents of the study, enabling them to make a judicious judgment regarding granting permission

for their children's participation. These same forms will also be utilized to get informed consent

and voluntary agreements from instructors. The concept of voluntariness. Genuine consent is

only recognized as an agreement willingly given to participate in research without any form of

coercion or inducement. According to the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP, 2022),

the requirement for informed consent in research includes the need for a setting that is free from

coercion and undue influence. Given that human beings are commonly employed as subjects in

research endeavors, it is imperative to design robust protocols for data collection to safeguard the

well-being of those participating in the study throughout its duration.

Considerations During Data Collection

The meticulousness employed throughout the data collection process is a pivotal aspect

of every investigation. Ensuring the protection of study participants during the whole duration of

a research project is of utmost importance. However, it is worth noting that the degree of security

implemented for the gathered data may differ. The selected participants will get a private

informed consent form through email, which they are required to sign and return in order to

proceed with the research. The encrypted informed consent form will contain comprehensive

scheduling data, along with pertinent information pertaining to the in-person interview and

classroom observation. Participants should be duly informed of the necessity to affix their

signatures, make photocopies, and promptly return the form to the researcher for the purpose of

verification and documentation.

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 The completion and submission of all forms will be conducted electronically, with

duplicate copies securely kept in a designated area on the university's server. Access to these

copies will be restricted solely to authorized persons. The internet server will be accessible to

both the research participants and the ethics committee or institutional review board for the

purpose of monitoring and evaluating the study's advancement. Ensuring the privacy and

confidentiality of research participants is a crucial outcome that is achieved by meticulous

planning and meticulous implementation during the process of data collection. The concept of

"privacy in research" pertains to the protection of an individual's autonomy in deciding the extent

to which information on their participation in a study is accessible and under what

circumstances. Confidentiality pertains to the protection of personal information belonging to an

individual (Anderson, 2019, para. 3, 4).

Considerations Regarding Researcher Bias

When developing and conducting a study, it is important to consider several issues,

including researcher biases, which can significantly impact the study's methodologies and

participants. Pannucci and Wilkins (2010) define systematic mistake as the introduction of bias

into the process of sampling or testing, wherein one outcome or response is favored or promoted

above others (para. 3). It is imperative to acknowledge that researchers may exhibit bias at many

stages of the study endeavor, encompassing design, data collection, analysis, and publication.

To ensure compliance with ethical guidelines, Institutional Review Board regulations,

and school board requirements, the researcher will furnish informed consent letters in advance.

This will provide valuable insights for further inquiries, and these individuals or groups involved

may assist the researcher in maintaining objectivity if deemed required. The researcher will be

responsible for formulating the online survey questions that will be presented to the participants

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for their responses. The school board intends to conduct an investigation and closely monitor the

survey questions, with the aim of giving input that might potentially be utilized to make

modifications or enhancements to the online survey, if deemed appropriate. In the event that a

research inquiry employs language that might potentially have adverse effects on the individuals

involved, the school board may opt to either eliminate the question entirely or modify the

direction of the inquiry in order to ensure that it continues to make a valuable contribution to the

study. In accordance with the findings of Indeed (2023), it is advisable to evaluate one's

interview or survey questions in collaboration with team members, as the inclusion of diverse

viewpoints can facilitate the identification of an optimal course of action.

Summary

The use of a research strategy is believed to provide a framework for the study and

facilitate the exploration of more profound inquiries, such as the optimal methods for educating a

heterogeneous student population within a secure and inclusive classroom environment. In other

words, when conducted with appropriate diligence and impartiality, each research methodology

may be deconstructed into its constituent elements to refine the research inquiry. As the

researcher, it is imperative that appropriate measures be taken to safeguard the confidentiality

and confidentiality of the data collected, while also maintaining the impartiality of the inquiries

and observations.

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References

Anderson, S. E. (2019, August 19). Important considerations for protecting human research

participants. purdue.edu. Retrieved October 09, 2023, from

https://www.purdue.edu/research/dimensions/important-considerations-for-protecting-

human-research-participants/.

Indeed, A. (2023, February 4). How to avoid researcher bias. indeed.com. Retrieved October 09,

2023, from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-avoid-

researcher-bias

OHRP. (2022, September 27). The Belmont Report. HHS.gov. Retrieved October 09, 2023, from

https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/belmont-report/read-the-belmont-

report/index.html

Pannucci, C. J., & Wilkins, E. G. (2010, August). Identifying and avoiding bias in research.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved October 09, 2023, from

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2917255/#:~:text=In

%20research%2C%20bias%20occurs%20when-and%20publication%20(Figure%201).

WHO. (2023). Ensuring ethical standards and procedures for research with human beings.

who.int20. Retrieved October 09, 2023, from https://www.who.int/activities/ensuring-

ethical-standards-and-procedures-for-research-with-human-beings.