Delphi and NGT Research Methods

Used primarily by graduate and PhD level research, the Delphi method "is an iterative process to collect and distill the anonymous judgments of experts using a series of data collection and analysis techniques interspersed with feedback.(Skulmoski, et al, 2007)."

The Delphi method can be used as a research instrument when there is incomplete knowledge about a problem or phenomenon. The Delphi method can work well when the goal is to improve your understanding of problems, opportunities, solutions, or to develop forecasts.

On the other hand, the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a course evaluation tool that complements existing methods such as surveys and focus groups. The NGT method is considered to be semi-quantitative and is rank ordered feedback about a group of learners (Dobbie, et al, 2004).

NGT would be best used in small group settings as every participant has equal say in generating and ranking items. This can only be effective however if trust exists between all participants in the small group.

Two Forces:

Social - with any research method using human subjects should be carefully considered. With the Delphi method, this includes human subjects used for survey's and focus groups.

Local - Typical NGT research would include small groups in a local setting. However, a small group setting could still be realized with remote workers using collaboration technology.




Evan



Reference:
The Delphi Method for Graduate Research, Hartman, T. Frances, Krahn, Jeniffer, and Skulmoski, j., Gregory. The Delphi Method for Graduate Research. Journal of Information Technology Education / Volume 6, 2007.

NMC Horizon Report - Telepresence in Education

Immersive Video (TelePresence) for education solution creates a live, face-to-face communication experience over a network that opens new opportunities to visually connect students, teachers. This new solution / trend will enhance learning, professional development, and student - teacher relationships that are located across country or across the world. This solution includes a wide variety of devices, including the ability to view HD video from your PC, or tablet. The remote site system will include at least a sensor platform for cameras, microphones and other sensing devices. Also included here may be teleoperators such as slave arms, grippers, specialised end effectors or tools, and means of mobility such as tracked or wheeled vehicles, underwater craft (ROVs), or airborne vehicles (Mair, 1997).

(The Basic Strathclyde TelepresenceSystem /  Telepresence - The Technology And Its Economic And Social Implications, 1997)

Teachers and and students from a main campus can share and present interactively to students (multiple or single users) in remote locations. This platform provides a face-to-face learning experience that will expand education opportunities for both students and teachers across the globe. This can also be a cost effective solution for emerging countries that want access to top schools world-wide. 

Two Forces:

Technological - Although TelePresence has tremendous promise the technical maturity for widespread adoption is low. Technology companies like Cisco, HP and Polycom have mae investments in the advancement of the technology, the maturity remains in its infancy. 

Economical - This relatively new technology remains pricy which keeps lower and higher ed. institutions out of the game. Typical costs of these units are hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Evan

Reference: 

Gordon M. Mair  (1997), Telepresence - The Technology And Its Economic And Social Implications
Department of Design, Manufacture and Engineering Management University of Strathclyde GlasgowG1 1XJ U.K. 0-7803-3982-7/97/$10.00 0 1997 IEEE