4.0 Research Sample and Data Collection

The project sought to identify participants for the present project by making telephone and e-mail contact with the sites previously involved with ALRNNV Information Technology Projects between 1994 and 1996. Each site which expressed interest in participating was subsequently visited. These sites were selected because they had functioning hardware and software and were willing to assist the project. The sample nevertheless illustrates the range of contexts in which NLTs are being applied in Victoria. Two additional sites from country Victoria who were new to Internet access, were also added. Data were collected by questionnaires and interviews from 10 ALBE teachers. The sample comprised - two contract and one permanent teaching staff from the TAFE sector; two sessional, two permanent and one contract staff from Metropolitan community sites and two permanent staff from country community sites. There were four males and six females. Five community site participants also had responsibilities as coordinators.

Data were collected between October and December 1997. The questionnaire (Appendix A) was administered in hard copy, but was also accessible on-line. It comprised 42 items divided into four parts:

1. Basic Information

2. Equipment and Access

3. Training and Internet Use

4. Use with Learners

The questionnaire is available on-line at: http://dingo.vut.edu.au/~alrnnv/lltt/survey/survey_index.html

Personal interviews with participants were held subsequently. The interview schedule was semi-structured and consisted of 20 questions (Appendix B). 8 interviews were conducted face-to-face on-site; 2 were conducted by telephone. Interviewees were encouraged to give personal accounts of their own learning about technology, its role in their professional development and its use with learners.