Example: Interview Protocol--Content Authoring

Connexions Author Interview Protocol

The interview protocol below was developed for a study of the OER project Connexions. Connexions’ authoring platform provides a set of online tools where authors can work in groups or individually to create teaching and learning materials. The questions below were compiled as a way to understand author practices and perceptions around the use of Connexions’ content authoring platform.

1. How did you first learn about Connexions and what prompted you to start using it?

2. How would you describe your typical activities within the Connexions system?

3. When you first began using Connexions, what expectations did you have if any? How have these expectations been met or not been met?

4. Do you find Connexions easy or difficult to use?

5. What features of the system have been most useful? Which have been most difficult?

6. Are there features that you wish that Connexions offered that it does not currently offer?

7. What have been your challenges, if any, to authoring content on the Connexions site? [E.g., communicating with other authors, technology hurdles, etc.]

8. Do you usually create content individually or in groups? Please explain.

9. [For those who create content in groups]:

a. How did you become involved in your author group?

b. Did you know the other authors previously?

c. How are changes and decisions made within the group?

d. How does communication occur within your author group?

10. Do you have any prior experience with authoring online materials or other content? If so, how does this experience differ from your Connexions experience?

Pointers

• Try to imagine the possible range of answers that might arise, and where participants might get stumped. From that, create prompts that you can use for each of your questions in case you need to spur their thinking, and get them talking and reflecting on a particular point or issue.