Developing Action Strategies

After carefully considering the data, the instructor felt that participants were both capable and eager to engage in electronic instruction as a means of reaching the program objectives. The instructor also wanted to incorporate learner information into the class after permission was obtained and made it clear that all e-mail submissions were confidential. It was reaffirmed that those who did not have access to the Internet at home could utilize the MISA Computer Lab.

An e-mail was sent to participants once a week over the six week program period. These messages included a variety of requests for submissions aimed at engaging participants in discussion. Initially, an entrepreneurial self assessment quiz from Human Resources and Development Canada was sent to all participants. Other communications included: a summary of the business culture in their homeland, a description of their business idea, and responses related to their business ideas. The last three e-mails were specifically designed to encourage discussion and use of language directly related to their business idea. In total, over 45 questions related to the area of the business idea were sent electronically. The instructor checked e-mail on a daily basis and ensured that requests were responded to before sending out another weekly e-mail.

Monitoring the Results and Reflecting on the Action Research Project

Four approaches were used to monitor the action strategy: e-mail submissions, individual feedback, group feedback in the form of a questionnaire, and colleague feed- back. Approximately half of the class used the electronic mail system numerous times. A considerable number of the Asian students who were not vocal in class were very animated in their submissions. For example, a non-speaker in class wrote:

“Frankly speaking this course is a sort of difficult for me because I have rather poor listening comprehension I have only been in Canada for 3 months. Anyway I will do my best to succeed in this program. Your kind help and co-operation would be appreciated in the future.”

Another participant wrote:

“Maybe my thought is too naïve. I don’t know where I can find a customer, how I can talk to him, what I need. Maybe I will learn about above in this program. What suggestions do you have?”