Investigators: Dr. Jennifer LV Sparrow and Dr. Alice McLeod Brunner
You are being asked to participate in a research project conducted through Florida Gulf Coast University. The University requires that you give your signed agreement to participate in this project.
The investigators will explain to you in detail the purpose of the project, the procedures to be used, the expected duration or frequency of your participation, and the potential and possible risks of participation. You may ask them any questions you have to help you understand the project. A basic explanation of the project is written below. Please read this explanation and discuss with the researcher any questions you may have.
If you decide to participate in the project, please click on "I choose to participate in this study". You can print a copy of this form to keep.
Refusal to participate in this study will have no effect on any future services you may be entitled to from the University. Anyone who agrees to participate in this study is free to withdraw from the study at any time with no penalty.
The purpose of this study is to identify the types of technologies used by first-time-in-college students prior to beginning college coursework at Florida Gulf Coast University. The study seeks to gather initial information for future research. You are being asked to participate in this study by providing your responses to items on the Technology Skills Survey. Survey items will ask you about your use of computer and other technologies such as email, web blogs, podcasts, etc. The survey will be available online at http://survey.fgcu.edu/Survey.aspx?s=e172ac1355344363baf5601709931bbb and may be taken after your course registration. The expected amount of time to take the survey is 15 minutes. Instructions for the survey will be provided online. It is not anticipated that you will experience discomfort nor is there any anticipated risk in taking the survey. You may discontinue at any time.
Outcomes of the study will assist the researchers in gathering information about how new students are using technology and how frequently they use it. Future research will determine how use of technology may prepare students for online and high tech courses at FGCU. Identification of the types and frequency of prior technology use will also assist the researchers in determining what proactive measures may be taken to prepare students for online courses and/or coursework in which technology is highly utilized at FGCU. Benefits may include enhanced tutorials during orientation, development of advising tools to assist students who take online coursework, and self assessment tools that will assist students in determining their level of technological readiness for coursework at FGCU.
No personal identifying information is being requested. Your responses to the survey are completely confidential and will be stored on a secure database server.
The individuals to contact in the event that you feel discomfort or injury are:
Dr. Jennifer Sparrow
239-590-7084
Dr. Alice Brunner
239-590-7876
If you have any questions about your rights as a participant in this research, or if you feel you have been placed at risk, you can contact the Chair of the Human Subjects’ Institutional Review Board through Ms. Donna Stremke, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, at 239-590-7029.
I have read this form and I understand it. I understand that if at any time I become uncomfortable with this project I am free to stop my participation. I understand that it is not possible to identify all potential risks in an experimental procedure, and I believe that reasonable safeguards have been taken to minimize both the known and potential but unknown risks.