I’m on my way now, after having received ‘research design’ feedback from Anne.  Thanks, Anne 🙂

Here’s some of Anne’s suggestions:

 ……….. As to methodology, the case study does seem to be the most important method. You are quite right to point out the limitations of surveys in a study such as this. As you rightly observe, you’ll get far more out of informal class discussions and more focussed discussions in small groups.

………It will be interesting to keep an eye on gender issues (what is the gender breakdown of your group?), and on the kids’ reported use of social websites, etc at home.

When it comes to data analysis, presumably you’re interested in breadth (the number of posts and range of interlocutors) as well as depth (the duration of the interaction and the deepening of the topic). It will be interesting to see whether there are any gender differences here, and in the nature of the subject matter.

When it comes to what is being said in posts and comment, you’ll need to devise some kind of coding framework that will help you categorise your data. This will be refined as you progress through the study.

It’s very helpful … and I’ll contemplate all the advice carefully.

Looking at ‘gender’ issues was also mentioned by Jackie Marsh in her email response to my ‘advice plea’. She also put me in touch with Peter W who has offered support  … much  appreciated 🙂