Researcher: Bill Surradge
Contact details: b.surradge@napier.ac.uk
You are being invited to take part in a research study. Before you decide to take part, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish. Ask the researcher if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information. Take some time to decide whether you wish to take part.
Background
Technicians contributions towards education have been a subject of increasing debate in recent years. Classically seen as demonstrators and no more, technical support within education has received increased visibility and recognition, with studies such as Wragg et al (2023), highlighting the numerous activities that technicians carry out for education. However, the field of Blended and Online Education has received very little study, which this project intends to remedy. Furthermore, this study intends to survey technicians about their professional identity within Education. Do they see themselves as “teachers? Do they see the support the provide as “teaching”?
Undertaking this research project would be beneficial, as the data gathered will contribute towards the growing conversation of technicians roles within education, and their delivery of the support they provide. Spotlighting technical identities within the study will also be used to inform support for technicians, and further highlight the role of the technician within the education sector.
Taking Part
The data for the project will be gathered through a mixed methods approach, using both a short survey, and the possibility of a further invitation to a focus group to discuss early research themes within the data.
The survey is expected to take 15 minutes to complete.
Your rights if you choose to take part
Your participation in this study is completely voluntary and there is no requirement to take part. There will be no impact on your work or any support you receive through the university if you decide to say no.
You will have the right to withdraw your participation in this study up until you submit your survey responses, after which, due to the anonymity of the survey, it will not be possible to remove your responses.
Confidentiality and anonymity
Collected survey responses will be anonymous, and participants will be encouraged not to provide any identifiable information in any of the answer boxes provided.
If any topics discussed at the interview cause you distress or concern, you can seek support via the following resources:
- Please seek appropriate support from your home institution.
- Breathing Space (for Scotland): Confidential helpline for anyone who feels overwhelmed and needs someone to listen. Tel: 0800 83 85 87, Email: info@breathingspacescotland.co.uk
- Samaritans (for rest of UK): Confidential helpline for anyone who feels overwhelmed and needs someone to listen. Tel: 116 123, Email: jo@samaritans.org
- Samaritans (for Republic of Ireland): Confidential helpline for anyone who feels overwhelmed and needs someone to listen. Tel: 116 123, Email: jo@samaritans.ie
If you have any questions about this study, please contact:
Principle Investigator: Bill Surradge, b.surradge@napier.ac.uk Or Bill’s supervisor: Stuart Taylor, s.taylor@napier.ac.uk