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Introduction

Welcome to Class!

Complete the following steps to help you get ready for your online course. 

 Meet Your InstructorS

Getting started with the Modules

This course will help you learn. to use critical reading skills to read and curate a collection of articles you will use to create a literature review and then do some preliminary analysis on those articles using a qualitative research tool. You can use NVIvo, ATLAS.ti, or Excel.

This online course consists of a Getting Started module (to make sure you have a collection of articles to review); Module 1 that will introduce the concept of critical reading and some freely available tools for preliminary analysis; Module 2 and Module 3 will introduce how to use either NVivo or ATLAS.ti to analysis texts using automated queries, annotations, memoing and coding.

Use this checklist to make sure you are ready to begin the three modules

NOTE: You will need access to NVivo, ATLAS.ti, or Excel to complete Modules 2 and 3.
NOTE: We will be using the newest version of both NVivo and Atlas.ti. Additional tutorials for using older versions of the software are available on the resources page

 Getting started Module

This Getting Started Module provides some preliminary information and learning activities that include watching instruction about critical reading and the literature review process and then reflecting on their position in that process position. The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the topics of critical reading and conducting a literature review and to evaluate the readiness of students for using the qualitative research tools in the modules. If you are interested in using these modules with your graduate students, and continue on to Modules 1-3, we recommend use the checklist and reflection to help your students complete an evaluation checklist and make sure you are prepared to move onto modules 1-3.

At the end of the Getting Started module graduate students will be able to:

• Articulate the importance of critical reading in the literature review process
• Recognize how qualitative research tools and concept mapping can be integrated with the critical reading process
• Evaluate their own situation and place in the literature review process

Getting Started Module

1. View the Introductory Video, which will introduce the structure of the course.
2. View the Critical Reading Presentation, which will define critical reading, explain why it is important, and explain how this course can help you learn the skills you need to practice critical reading in your literature review process. 
3. Use the Self-Evaluation Checklist Download Self-Evaluation Checklist
   to evaluate your own situation and place in the literature review process in order to assess whether you are ready to move on to Modules 1-3.
4. Review the resources on how to conduct a literature review to prepare for the rest of the course.

 Next Steps: The Learning Modules & resources

Module 1: You will complete activities to learn about critical reading and use some freely available tools to analysis a curated collection of texts. It will involve conducting pre-reading of abstracts and selection of articles for continued analysis, and mapping and visualizing the articles using Voyant-Tools and CMAP.

Module 2: will explore the NVivo, ATLAS.ti and Excel software interfaces and upload a curated collection of articles for analysis. Those using NVivo and ATLAS.ti will be able to use text queries and auto-coding to conduct their analysis.

Module 3: will focus on create annotations or comments on the articles, Use Atlas.ti, NVIVO, or Excel to continue coding and identify themes through critical reading of articles. Mapping and visualization tools in NVivo and Atlas.ti will be introduced.

For more information on qualitative research and critical reading go to the Resources page to read more!