Skip to main content

Digital Methods for Beginners

3 hours learning
Short Course
Beginner
Register to Enroll

Section outline

  • Course Overview

    This course highlights the evolution and potential of digital methods, with a focus on ethical practices and inclusivity. You'll master digital tools and platforms, boost your digital skills, and craft research plans that make a real impact.

    Learning Outcomes

    This course will help you to:

    1. Recognize the history and uses of digital methods in research  
    2. Identify key issues with digital research including ethics, data management, and inclusion  
    3. Find how digital social networks and platforms can be used for research   
    4. Recognize the range of techniques to conduct interviews and focus groups online   
    5. Evaluate the tools available to support digital research data collection and analysis  
    6. Generate a research plan to use digital methods in research effectively   

    • Course Instructor: Dr. Lee Fallin

      • Dr. Lee Fallin

        Dr. Lee Fallin is a Lecturer in Education Studies and Director of MA Education Programmes at the University of Hull. His research interests centre on learning technology, accessibility and the intersections between education and geography - inclusive of physical and digital spaces. He is expert in a diverse range of research methods and technologies, and has expertise in supporting staff and students of all levels with their research. Lee is an NVivo Certified Expert, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and Fellow of the Association of Learning Technology. As a methodologist, he has experience of leading research methods and dissertation modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. 

        View Bio for Dr. Lee Fallin

      • Pre-Course Self Assessment

        Before you dive into this course, spend a few moments reflecting on your familiarity with the topic and your current level of skills confidence. 

        You will then re-visit the same questions in our Post-Course Self Assessment and reflect on how the course has helped you develop in confidence and grow your skills. 

        • Module One: Discovering the Potential of Digital Research

          This module will help you to:

          1. Identify the development of digital methods in research 
          2. Recognize the history and uses of digital methods in research  

        • Module Two: Ethical and Inclusive Digital Research

          This module will help you to:

          1. Identify key issues with digital research including ethics, data management, and inclusion
          2. Use strategies to protect research participants  
          3. Take steps to access and secure data ethically 

        • Module Three: Getting the Most Out of Digital Methods

          This module will help you to:

          1. Identify how digital social networks and platforms can be used for research   
          2. Recognize the range of techniques to conduct interviews and focus groups online   

        • Module Four: Tools to Support Effective Digital Research

          This module will help you to:

          1. Evaluate the tools available to support digital research data collection and analysis  
          2. Recognize the role of hardware in digital methods  

        • Module Five: Digital Skills for Effective Research

          This module will help you to:

          1. Identify your digital competency and develop developmental targets  
          2. Recognize which resources help you develop your digital skills  
          3. Generate a research plan to use digital methods in research effectively   

        • Glossary of Key Terms

          In addition to the glossary you’ll find woven throughout the course, you can find the full glossary collated in one place here.

        • Post-Course Self Assessment

          Now you’ve completed the course, spend a few moments reflecting on where your familiarity with the topics and your confidence skills levels are at now. 

          Has the course helped you develop new skills and grow your confidence?

          You'll need to complete the Post-Course Self Assessment in order to download your certificate. If you didn't do the Pre-Course Self Assessment before starting the course, please go to the top of the page and reflect on your familiarity with the topic and your level of skills confidence before you started the course.

          • Completion: Certificate

            Completing all modules (plus the pre and post-course assessments) will unlock the course certificate, which you can then download here. Your course certificate will only be made available once you have completed all these sections.

            If you have difficulty accessing your certificate, please contact the Sage support team at: onlinesupport@sagepub.co.uk. You can also check out this FAQ page which may be helpful.

            • Give Feedback About This Course

              Did you enjoy the course? Please take two minutes to share your feedback. We use learner feedback in future course updates and developments to provide an excellent learning experience.

            • Accessibility

              We have high standards of accessibility on Sage Campus and as of May/June 2024 all activities within this course are keyboard and screen reader compatible. For more details on accessibility standards, please see the Sage Campus Accessibility Guide.

              For those using assistive technology, please note that within this course:

              • Tab components: JAWS and NVDA behave slightly differently. For NVDA to keep reading, it is best to exit focus mode and go back to browse mode. 
              • Matching: JAWS does not read out question label on dropdown focus. 
              Original Publication date: 03-2025
              Last Updated: 06-2026