Novice Researchers Find their Power: Using Technology to Support the Development of Doctoral Students

Abstract

This study examines innovative technology uses of proficient doctoral students in action research and uses the findings for doctoral program planning and revision. The authors conducted an environmental scan of students’ uses of technology to support their work throughout the dissertation process. They identified one to three students in each phase of the action research cycle, called “power users,” who innovatively used technology. Rogers’ (2003) theory of diffusion suggests that, as a result of the understandings from this study, the faculty-researchers are gatekeepers, responsible for systematically addressing the diffusion of technology. Recommendations include the adoption of a shared technology vision and leveraging the power users’ skills through the doctoral program.