scholarly journals Computer-Mediated Communication to Facilitate Synchronous Online Focus Group Discussions: Feasibility Study for Qualitative HIV Research Among Transgender Women Across the United States (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea L Wirtz ◽  
Erin E Cooney ◽  
Aeysha Chaudhry ◽  
Sari L Reisner ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
The United States ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Computer Mediated

BACKGROUND Novel, technology-based methods are rapidly increasing in popularity across multiple facets of quantitative research. Qualitative research, however, has been slower to integrate technology into research methodology. One method, computer-mediated communication (CMC), has been utilized to a limited extent for focus group discussions. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess feasibility of an online video conferencing system to further adapt CMC to facilitate synchronous focus group discussions among transgender women living in six cities in eastern and southern United States. METHODS Between August 2017 and January 2018, focus group discussions with adult transgender women were conducted in English and Spanish by research teams based in Boston, MA, and Baltimore, MD. Participants were sampled from six cities: Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; New York, NY; Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; and Miami, FL. This was formative research to inform a technology-enhanced cohort study to assess HIV acquisition among transgender women. This analysis focused on the methodologic use of CMC focus groups conducted synchronously using online software that enabled video or phone discussion. Findings were based on qualitative observations of attendance and study team debriefing on topics of individual, social, technical, and logistical challenges encountered. RESULTS A total of 41 transgender women from all six cities participated in seven online focus group discussions—five English and two Spanish. There was equal racial distribution of black/African American (14/41, 34%) and white (14/41, 34%) attendees, with 29% (12/41) identifying as Hispanic/Latina ethnicity. Overall, 29 of 70 (41%) eligible and scheduled transgender women failed to attend the focus group discussions. The most common reason for nonattendance was forgetting or having a scheduling conflict (16/29, 55%). A total of 14% (4/29) reported technical challenges associated with accessing the CMC focus group discussion. CMC focus group discussions were found to facilitate geographic diversity; allow participants to control anonymity and privacy (eg, use of pseudonyms and option to use video); ease scheduling by eliminating challenges related to travel to a data collection site; and offer flexibility to join via a variety of devices. Challenges encountered were related to overlapping conversations; variable audio quality in cases where Internet or cellular connection was poor; and distribution of incentives (eg, cash versus gift cards). As with all focus group discussions, establishment of ground rules and employing both a skilled facilitator and a notetaker who could troubleshoot technology issues were critical to the success of CMC focus group discussions. CONCLUSIONS Synchronous CMC focus group discussions provide a secure opportunity to convene participants across geographic space with minimal time burden and without losing the standardized approach that is expected of focus group discussions. This method may provide an optimal alternative to engaging hard-to-reach participants in focus group discussions. Participants with limited technological literacy or inconsistent access to a phone and/or cellular data or service, as well as circumstances necessitating immediate cash incentives may, however, require additional support and accommodation when participating in CMC focus group discussions.

scholarly journals Competing Cultural Worldviews in the United States: A Phenomenological Examination of the Essential Core Elements of Transnationalism and Transculturalism

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Orbe ◽  
Darlene Drummond
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Social Identity ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
The United States ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Cultural Worldviews ◽  
Core Elements

The objective of this study was to explore inductively the complex ways in which everyday discourse reflects larger - and often competing - cultural worldviews. A phenomenological framework was used to analyze transcripts generated through 13 focus group discussions involving 100 individuals. This particular analysis highlights how individuals who adopted a transnational worldview worked to transform cultural divisions through criticism of existing labels that failed to capture the multicultural nature of their identifies. Alternatively, individuals who adopted a transcultural worldview worked to transcend traditional cultural divisions through a rejection of traditional labels that worked against one unified social identity. The thematic insights generated through the study are significant in that they provide a heuristic framework for scholars and practitioners who are interested in promoting greater understanding through engaging transnationalism, transculturalism, and related issues.

Toward Developing Questionnaire Items to Measure Effectiveness of Computers in Teaching

2002 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 381-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ananda Mitra
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Liberal Arts ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Liberal Arts University ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Reliable Scale

This article reports on a longitudinal study of the effectiveness of computerizing a liberal arts university in the United States. The article uses data from the study to develop a reliable scale to measure attitudes related to four parameters of the learning process. Specifically, the scale reported here can be used to measure the climate of interaction developed by computerization, the specific communication patterns offered by computer mediated communication and the different perceived expectations about the promise of technology provided by the computerization process. It is expected that the statistically reliable scale can be used for measurements across different institutions.

‘Over to you’: Can Europe restrain Microsoft's threat to freedom of musical expression in computer-mediated communication?

Popular Music ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-78
Author(s):  
ARNOLD S. WOLFE
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
United States Supreme Court ◽  
The United States ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Web Browser ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Open Nature ◽  
Human Enterprise

The United States Supreme Court characterised the trend toward the convergence of the communication, music and computer worlds as ‘a promising new medium that could empower citizens and promote democracy in the next millennium’. Yet inquiry into United States vs Microsoft, the case that may determine whether ‘the free and open nature of … computer-assisted communication’ will remain ‘free and open’ has been lacking. This study focuses on the antitrust and First Amendment implications of Microsoft's disputed strategy of marrying its Web browser to its operating system (OS) software.The study argues that rulings on the legality of this strategy have ramifications for Microsoft's subsequent move to suture its streaming audio and video software to its OS product. Implications of this case – and the European Commission's similar inquiry into such suturing – for popular music as an industry, as an industrialised technology, and as a form of communication are discussed. Scholars, practitioners, and fans must be ever mindful that when one firm dominates a human enterprise as central to contemporary life as personal computing, the opportunity for abuse exists.

Enhancing graduates’ employability through polytechnic–industry collaboration

2021 ◽  
pp. 095042222110631
Author(s):  
Innocent Otache
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
National Board ◽  
Job Requirements ◽  
Industry Collaboration ◽  
Regulatory Bodies ◽  
Practical Implications

The unemployability of many Nigerian graduates is somewhat attributable to the existing wide collaboration gap between Nigerian higher education institutions and industry. Against this backdrop, this study explores how Nigerian polytechnics and industry can collaborate to enhance graduates’ employability. Adopting a focus group discussion approach, three focus groups involving 20 people (eight polytechnic lecturers, six National Board for Technical Education officials and six industry executives) participated in the study. Content analysis of the focus group discussions revealed the need to involve industry experts in curriculum development and review to meet today’s job requirements in industry. The need to involve industry experts in teaching certain aspects of the curriculum was also highlighted. The findings further revealed the desirability of exposing students and lecturers to industrial work situations to equip them with workplace skills and experience. Additionally, the study found that a comprehensive collaboration policy framework, funding, commitment, mutual benefits and trust are required to achieve successful polytechnic–industry collaboration. This research demonstrates that effective collaboration between polytechnics and industry will help to improve the employability of graduates. The findings provide policy and practical implications for polytechnics, regulatory bodies, industry and government.

scholarly journals MOTIF PEREMPUAN BERKENDARA SEPEDA MOTOR TANPA HELM: STUDI KASUS DI KOTA SIDOARJO, JAWA TIMUR

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 72
Author(s):  
Irvan Rifai ◽  
Fajar Santoso
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Social Rules ◽  
Online Newspapers ◽  
Primary Data Analysis ◽  
Key Factor

This case study is aimed at revealing motives of women riding motor bike without helmet in Sidoarjo, East Java. The data in this study are garnered through interviews, focus group discussions, observation, and artefact including online newspapers, whilst thematic analysis is utilised as a primary data analysis. The findings of the study indicate that; first, distance from home to school is a most salient motive of women riding bike without helmet. Second, the absence of policeman on the street is a key factor of not wearing helmet. Third, social identity is another reason for not wearing helmet. Fourth, styles and its influence of feeling discomfort of wearing helmet. Fifth, social rules and its impracticality of not wearing helmet. The findings of this study are expected to have contributions of the ways to educate people about safety riding by involving students, students’ parents, teachers and or stakeholders. This study, however, cannot represent all women perspectives of not wearing helmet when riding motor bike within Indonesia. Further research, therefore, is expected to consider areas and characteristics which might differ from the present study. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengungkap motif perempuan pengendara sepeda motor tanpa helm di daerah Kabupaten Sidoarjo, Jawa Timur, dengan menggunakan metode wawancara, Focus Group Discussion, observasi, dan analisis terhadap tulisan-tulisan yang ada di media sosial, seperti koran online. Analisis yang dilakukan menggunakan metode analisis tematik. Dari hasil analisis data diperoleh 5 tema yang menjadi pembahasan pada penelitian ini, yaitu: pertama, Jarak dari rumah ke sekolah menjadi pertimbangan utama responden tidak memakai helm; kedua, Kehadiran aparat kepolisian dan motif tidak memakai helm; ketiga, Identitas sosial sebagai alasan tidak memakai helm; keempat, style dan pengaruh ketidaknyamanan memakai helm; dan ke lima, aturan sosial dan ketidakpraktisan memakai helm. Hasil penelitian ini diharapkan bisa memberikan kontribusi informasi terhadap upaya mengedukasi masyarakat dalam keselamatan berkendara sepeda motor dengan melibatkan peran serta siswa, orang tua siswa, guru dan pemangku kepentingan. Namun demikian, dikarenakan penelitian ini terbatas pada studi kasus di Kota Sidoarjo, terdapat kemungkinan bahwa hasil yang diperoleh tidak dapat merepresentasikan perspektif perempuan pengendara sepeda motor di kota-kota lain di Indonesia. Untuk itu, penelitian ini diharapkan dapat dilanjutkan untuk kota-kota yang mempunya karakteristik berbeda dengan lokasi penelitian ini.

scholarly journals Critical Thinking among Post-Graduate Diploma in Education Students in Higher Education: Reality or Fuss?

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bakadzi Moeti ◽  
Rabson Killion Mgawi ◽  
Waitshega Tefo Smitta Moalosi
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Teacher Educators ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Teacher Trainees ◽  
Programme Content

Critical thinking is recognised as an influential attribute to achieve quality learning and teaching in higher education institutions world over. This interpretive research study explored the critical thinking among PGDE students at the University of Botswana. The aim of the study was to identify factors contributing to the application of critical thinking among teacher trainees. Data was collected from Cohort 2015/16 PGDE students, through one on one interview with 59 students and 2 focus group discussions comprising five students in each focus group between April to June 2016. The findings revealed that the teacher trainees had a lower description of critical thinking during interviews, but refined during focus group discussions; however, the students were wide aware of factors influencing their inabilities to think critically during their training. These finding clearly indicated that most students were not applying critical thinking during their training. Through the interviews and focus group discussion, the study also identified strategies to promote the application of critical thinking in areas of programme content, teaching and assessment methods and techniques, programme logistics and personal attributes. The findings are instrumental to various key stakeholders. Specifically, the findings inform education institutions, teacher educators and students on how to promote critical thinking during teacher training. The study was qualitative, as such the findings will not be generalised. As such a similar study is recommended among the PGDE and other students but using quantitative and or mixed methods to allow inferences and generalisations.

scholarly journals GAMBARAN DUKUNGAN SOSIAL DARI GURU YANG DIRASAKAN OLEH SISWA SMA “X”

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (02) ◽  
pp. 77-86
Author(s):  
Anisah Aninditya Rahmaputri ◽  
Dianti Endang Kusumawardhani
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
High School ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
School Engagement ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Data Retrieval ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

Teachers have an important role in educating students well. One way that teachers can do to be able to increase motivation and school engagement is by providing social support to students. This study aims to find out the overview of perceived social support from teachers by high school “X” students in South Tangerang. The research method is descriptive qualitative research with data collection techniques through focus group discussions and structured interviews. The results of data retrieval show that the perceived social support from some teachers by high school "X" students is quite satisfying for students but not from every teachers. This means it can still be improved again. This is because not all teachers are considered good enough at providing social support to students. The total number of teachers are 17 people and for students are 67. It should be able to be improved in communication skills so that they can provide better social support to students. Keywords : Adolescent, School, Social support. Abstrak Guru memiliki peran penting dalam mendidik siswa dengan baik. Salah satu cara yang dapat guru lakukan untuk dapat meningkatkan motivasi serta keaktivan siswa di sekolah adalah dengan memberikan dukungan sosial kepada siswa. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mencari tahu gambaran dukungan sosial dari guru yang dirasakan oleh siswa SMA “X” di Tangerang Selatan. Metode penelitian berupa penelitian kualitatif deskriptif dengan teknik pengambilan data melalui focus group discussion dan wawancara terstruktur. Hasil pengambilan data menunjukkan bahwa gambaran dukungan sosial dari guru yang dirasakan oleh siswa SMA “X” cukup memuaskan bagi siswa tetapi masih dapat ditingkatkan lagi. Hal ini dikarenakan belum semua guru dianggap sudah bagus dalam memberikan dukungan sosial kepada siswa. Total guru yang berjumlah 17 orang untuk siswa sebanyak 67 orang seharusnya dapat ditingkatkan dalam kemampuan komunikasi sehingga mampu memberikan dukungan sosial kepada siswa dengan lebih baik lagi.

scholarly journals EFFORTS TO IMPROVE TEACHERS' ABILITIES IN APPLYING CONTEXTUAL LEARNING THROUGH FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 1037
Author(s):  
Bakri Melpi
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussion ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Contextual Learning ◽  
Research Subjects ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The Relationship

This research was motivated by the learning process which was still dominated by the teacher as a source of knowledge through conventional methods in the form of lecturing; as a result, students became passive during the learning process. Ideally, learning should be able to increase students' understanding about the material and their understanding about the relationship between the material and the student's environment. Referring to these problems, it was necessary to apply a method that helped teachers to improve the learning quality. It was hoped that focus group discussions improved the teachers’ ability to apply contextual learning. This research was a classroom action research. The research was carried out on teachers at SDN 019 Sungai Gantang from February to March 2020. The research subjects were 17 teachers and the instrument was an observation sheet. The results showed that the teachers’ ability to implement contextual learning through focus group discussions increased from 80.25% (with Good category) in cycle I to 84.45% (with Very Good category) in cycle increased II. Based on the results of this research, it was concluded that focus group discussions improved teachers’ ability in implementing contextual learning.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document