• Demonstrates ability to describe common research methods in Educational Technology

• Demonstrates ability to read and evaluate Educational Technology research

• Applies research findings to the solution of common problems in Educational Technology

     All it takes is a question. With that one question, it can lead us to investigate what has been done to answer it. When we realize that a question has yet to be thoroughly answered, we identify gaps in the knowledge of a particular topic or concept. In this particular paper, I have learned to seek knowledge more systematically. I explored effective feedback strategies utilized by online instructors. While there is a plethora of resources regarding providing feedback across disciplines, at the time of my inquiry, there were only so many studies that addressed how feedback was delivered online and whether they were effective or not. Moreover, there were only so many documented evaluations of the effectiveness of specific technological tools and applications. 

     In creating knowledge, I first relied heavily on my previous educational training. I had already come into the program with an understanding of research methods and other skills required to seek the information I needed and further demonstrate my academic skills. However, I struggled with different aspects of the field because of my unfamiliarity with instructional design frameworks and notable experts. This paper helped me consolidate what I already knew and added new information to create knowledge—knowledge that was relevant to me to apply to my field. For example, in language learning, there are different techniques to provide feedback; the new knowledge added here was the selection and utilization of technology tools available to enhance the entire feedback process. I took a step further in evaluating how feedback was delivered in certain ways using technological tools and applications.