Researcher's Role
My role as researcher was to gather information on the television and computer viewing habits of my subjects and to ascertain if any behavior modification is resulting from those habits. I also wanted to determine how pervasive the two technologies had become in our daily lives. I studied primarily television viewing habits; yet, due to the increased melding of both media into one (anonymous, 1997; Cringely, 1999; Greto, 1999) I also included the use of computers. I felt that if I did not include computers, as they are similar to televisions in their digital projections and use, my collected data would be of less value to others pursuing similar research. Relatively inexpensive adaptive devices that can be connected to one's computer are now readily available that allow viewing and editing of televised content from cable and local television stations (Weissenstein, 2000). My experience with the uses of digital imagery in both television and computers enables me the technical expertise to study this problem with professional knowledge and ability. I have the experience of being a network administrator for dual-platform networks at both the high school that I did my research and at another western Massachusetts high school, encompassing approximately 2500 users, over 500 computers; and 10 servers. In addition, I have the added experience of owning and operating a computer consulting and web design business, affording me first hand knowledge of database systems; active server pages; JAVA; CGI; HTML; and much more. I am deeply entrenched in the world of computers, and, because of the demands of both of my jobs, I am required to keep up to date on the latest technological information. This enables me to have a clear and accurate knowledge of the capabilities required to use various technologies to accomplish whatever task one may deem necessary. Due to my computer background, I have the knowledge to be cognizant of what the trends may be and where they may be taking us in the next few years. I am also aware that there are so many variables that it is impossible to predict anything accurately. I also understand what can be and is being accomplished today, with computer technology (Cringely, 1999). Security issues have always been of particular interest to me. The students often see me in their classrooms, computer labs and in the various support offices as I work on repairing the many computers in each building. I have often talked with students about various technical subjects and enjoy the comfortable relationship that has developed between them and myself. Including the students in the observational section of my research will seem natural to most of the students since it falls within my role in the school. When I observed others at their various homes I was always clear about what I was researching. My role was as a student of education, a position that was non-threatening and easy for others to accept.