Title of Project : Evaluation of an online courseware for academic writing in English

Introduction

We would like to invite you to participate in this research project. You should only participate if you want to; choosing not to take part will not bring you any disadvantages. Before you decide to whether you want to take part or not, it is important for you to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others. Ask us if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information.

Thank you for taking time to read this information sheet.

What is the aim of this study?

The reason we are doing this research is to find out about your experiences in using this new courseware developed through global collaboration to assist postgraduate students in academic writing. We want to evaluate the efficacy of the new tool for supporting independent learning.

Why have I been chosen?

We feel that you are suitable for this research because you are already enrolled in a postgraduate programme and will be involved in academic writing. The instructors of the postgraduate programme also helped us to make this decision.

Do I have to participate in this study?

Only you can make the decision. If you decide to participate, we will give you this information sheet to keep. We will ask you to sign a consent form.

If you agree to participate, you can still withdraw from this project at any point. You will not be asked to give reasons for withdrawing.

Your involvement or withdrawal from this project will not interfere with the programme that you are enrolled in.

What will happen if I take part in this study?

If you agree to take part in this research, you will be asked to keep a journal to document your experience as you go through the materials and complete the weekly tasks for 10 weeks. At the end of the course, you will participate in an online focus group discussion which will be recorded. One of the researchers will facilitate the discussion that will focus mainly on the benefits and shortcomings of the courseware.

If you agree to continue with this research, you will sign the consent form. You have the right to withdraw from this project at any time.

Will information about me be kept confidential?

Yes. All information gathered in this study will be kept safely. Your identity will always be protected. The content of your journal and short clips from recordings of the focus group discussion will only be used in teaching and presentations or publications related to the research. Your name will not appear in the video material or any publication. If you decide to withdraw, all written records and video materials related to you will be destroyed.

What will be done with the findings of this study?

We will publish the findings in academic journals. You will have the chance to review the report before publications. A pseudonym will be used to refer to data related to you.

Who is organising this study?

This project comes under the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics at Universiti Malaya.

Who has reviewed this study?

The Ethics Committee at Universiti Malaya reviews all studies involving humans as subjects. The proposal for this study has been reviewed by the UM Ethics Committee.

Required:

Discuss three (3) aspects each related to informed consent that the researchers have:

a) addressed well or sufficiently

b) have neglected to include or have not provided sufficient details on in the participant information sheet above. Substantiate your answers with examples.