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Surveys UCAR informed consent form for studies involving surveys Interviews UCAR informed consent form for studies involving interviews Observations UCAR informed consent form for studies involving observation OBSERVATIONS
Dear Participant:
The following Informed Consent Form explains what ethnographic observation is, and how your privacy will be protected. We want you to understand what you are being asked to do and what risks and benefits - if any - are associated with the observation. This will help you decide whether or not you want to participate in the observation.
YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THIS OBSERVATION IS VOLUNTARY. PLEASE READ THE DESCRIPTION OF THE OBSERVATION THAT FOLLOWS. IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO PARTICIPATE, PLEASE INFORM THE RESEARCHER.
INTRODUCTION
You are being asked to take part in ethnographic observation conducted by:
Name:
Affiliation:
Telephone:
E-mail:
This evaluation activity is being conducted under the supervision of Michael Khoo, the evaluation co-ordinator for the National Science Digital Library Core Integration team at UCAR, Boulder, Colorado. Michael can be reached at 303-497-2604 and by e-mail at mjkhoo@ucar.edu.
NSDL evaluation is being conducted under the overall direction of Dr. Kaye Howe, Executive Director, NSDL Core Integration. Kaye can be reached at (303) 497 2941 and at kaye@ucar.edu.
RESEARCH DESCRIPTION
The aim of this ethnographic observation is to gain a greater understanding of how NSDL as a library is used in real-life contexts (for example in classrooms), and of how NSDL functions as an organization (for example in meetings and workshops). It could for example involve watching teachers and students using NSDL digital tools in classrooms or other educational settings, or observing interactions in institutional settings amongst NSDL designers, developers, administrators, and users.
These observations are being conducted as part of an overall NSDL evaluation strategy that is aimed at reviewing NSDLÕs resources, collections, and infrastructure; making an inventory of its organizational capabilities and skills; evaluating its performance as a pathway to high-quality educational resources and collections; and producing recommendations for the next round of NSDL development. Participation in the research is entirely your choice.
PROCEDURES
Your participation will involve consenting to be observed and/or recorded while taking part in one or more of the following activities: teaching in a class; attending a meeting or workshop; participating in a focus group; using a computer to complete learning tasks; reading online materials; drawing pictures or diagrams, or talking aloud when you are using a computer or paper materials. The researcher will, at times, be present when you are completing the experimental tasks and may take handwritten notes and/or record all or parts of the session (see the section below on Audio and/or Video Recording).
AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO RECORDING
If the researcher has told you that audio and/or video recording will be taking place, please read the following carefully. Audio and/or video tape recording is used because it allows the researcher(s) to record and analyze data at a level of accuracy and detail that is otherwise unavailable. In all recordings, confidentiality and anonymity of data will be preserved (see section on ÒConfidentialityÓ).
RISKS
No sensitive or personal questions will be asked, but you have the right to refuse to answer any question, and to refuse to complete and submit the survey.
BENEFITS
As a member of the NSDL developer community, we expect the survey to benefit you in that the survey results will be used to improve the quality of NSDL services and also the support that NSDL offers its members.
SOURCE OF FUNDING
Funding for this study is provided by NSDL Core Integration.
COST TO PARTICIPANT
There is no cost to you for participation in this study. You will not be paid for participation in this study.
STUDY WITHDRAWAL
You have the right to withdraw your consent or stop participating at any time. You have the right to refuse to answer any question(s) or decline participation in any procedure for any reason.
CONFIDENTIALITY
- We will maintain the privacy of your data, and only the researcher(s) will know the identity of respondents
- Your individual privacy will be maintained in all published and written data resulting from this study. Only aggregated and anonymous responses will be reported. Where survey responses are reported, project names and other identifiable information will be removed
- All materials produced as a result of recording will remain the property of the researcher and will be securely stored on password-protected hard-drives in locked offices. Survey returns will not be stored on servers
INVITATION FOR QUESTIONS
If you have questions about this research, please ask the researcher before proceeding. If you have questions regarding your rights as a participant, any concerns regarding this project or any dissatisfaction with any aspect of this study, you may report them - confidentially, if you wish - to the Human Subject Research Committee Chair: Larry Winter, NCAR Deputy Director, lwinter@ucar.edu
PARTICIPANT AUTHORIZATION
I have read this paper about the study or it was read to me. I know the possible risks and benefits. I know that being in this study is voluntary. I choose to be in this study. I know that I can withdraw at any time. I have received a copy of this document.
Signature:
Printed name:
Date: