Welcome and thank you! You are now going to answer a few questions to help you map what your Personal Learning Network looks like and how you use it.
Please read this information carefully before deciding to take part in this research. If you are happy to participate you will be asked to tick a consent box before starting the survey.
What is the research about?
This survey will enable you (and us) to learn about your Personal Learning Network (PLN). At the end you will receive a map of your PLN (if you are doing this through the MOOC). The maps will be used by Nic Fair, a PhD student at the University of Southampton, to inform his doctoral research into learning networks and their impact on Higher Education teaching and learning.
What will happen to me if I take part?
You will spend between 20 and 30 minutes filling in the survey questions. You will be asked to remember ALL the times you interacted with your PLN over the last day. Help with classifying your interactions will be provided in every question as you will select answers from those provided. You will NOT need to type anything.
At the end of the survey you will be provided with a unique ID number and a link to a web page where you will be able to view your Personal Learning Network instantly.
Are there any benefits in my taking part?
By completing the survey with care and accuracy, you will be able to learn a great deal about what your Personal Learning Network looks like and how you use it. You will be able to see clearly displayed on your PLN map what devices you use for interacting with which people / institutions / services and for what purpose.
Are there any risks involved?
There are no risks to you.
Will my participation be confidential?
Your participation is completely anonymous and there is no way to link your answers to your FutureLearn account or personal details. All data generated by this survey will be stored and used in full compliance with the Data Protection Act and University of Southampton Research Data Management Policy.
Only you and the researchers will be able to view your PLN map.
What happens if I change my mind?
You can stop the survey at any time (and return to the MOOC if relevant). However, if studying on the MOOC, this will have an impact on your ability to complete the rest of Week 1.
What happens if something goes wrong?
In the unlikely case of concern or complaint, please contact the Head of Research Governance (02380 595058, rgoinfo@soton.ac.uk).
Where can I get more information?
If you would like to ask more questions before starting the survey, please contact Nicholas S R Fair on nsrf1g12@soton.ac.uk .