Using learning content management systems as a research tool for online focus groups.

Abstract

Learning content management systems (LCMS) are widely used to support and enhance learning and teaching throughout the tertiary educational sector. This presentation discusses the feasibility of using LCMS for the benefit of researchers engaged in qualitative data collection through online focus groups. A short literature review is offered, discussing the issues of moving the focus group into the online medium. Several case studies in health science drawn from PhD research will be outlined. The discussion, based on these case studies and linked to the current literature, focuses on a number of key areas including legal, ethical and design issues that may impact on whether a researcher chooses to use a LCMS to facilitate online focus groups.