Engaging with 21st Century Methodologies in Contemporary Education Research: Developing a Multi-sited, Distance, Online Ethnography

Abstract

Twenty-first century telecommunications have spawned new developments in anthropological research. Researchers now utilize online tools and investigate virtual social phenomena. A research project at the University of Tasmania required the development of a tailored methodology to investigate real-world activities across multiple education institutions and associated online communities. The study employed a blend of traditional and contemporary approaches assembled from established methodologies. Considerations influencing the development of the methodology are presented with the intention of informing future researchers of valid methodological design. Ontological and epistemological concerns are addressed to establish a framework for 21st century ethnographical methodologies.