A living handbook on research methods in communication: applying digital language to teaching materials online

Abstract

THE AIM OF THIS TEACHING PROJECT is to explore the possibilities of which is known as a living handbook, or an interactive, ongoing handbook accessible online to be edited by authors and for consult for the scholarly community. It is also our goal to explore the ways of obtaining an open textbook out of some advanced versions of the living handbook – a more static output from a more dynamic one. We continue this way the production of materials to be used in the teaching of master programs on communication research, an effort initiated by producing a first output called Methodos. Anuario de Métodos de Investigación en Comunicación Social [Methodos. Yearbook on Research Methods in Social Communication], intended as a product of our concern on how to teach such courses. This first volume develops the first phase of the Project, and it is a conceptual guideline for the further development, during the academic year 2020-2021, of the real prototype tool. It advances, as well, some of the academic concepts to be further developed. The second volume is an Open Textbook, in pdf format, which offers the initial contents to be provided as well in the living handbook online. The present study aims to examine the effect of a new format for sharing content with Pompeu Fabra University students in a Master's Degree in Communication. The study uses a quasi-experimental design, as there are no more than two examples of this new format. The aim is to achieve a digital and interactive book where both teachers and students can participate, adding valuable content related to the master's degree.