University of North Texas Institutional Review Board

Informed Consent Form

Before agreeing to participate in this research study, it is important that you read and understand the following explanation of the purpose, benefits and risks of the study and how it will be conducted.

Title of Study: Online Course Design Elements to Better Meet the Academic Needs of Students with Dyslexia in Higher Education
Principal Investigator: Greg Jones, PhD, Associate Professor in the University of North Texas (UNT) Department of Learning Technologies.
Key Personnel: Mary Dziorny, Doctoral student in the University of North Texas (UNT) Department of Learning Technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
You are being asked to participate in a research study designed to find ways to design online courses that better meet the needs of students with dyslexia.
Study Procedures: You will be asked to complete an online survey that will take about 20 minutes of your time.If you wish to participate in the rest of the study, you will be asked to evaluate an online course design in Second Life which will take approximately an hour of your time. You will then be asked to participate in two or more follow up interviews to further capture your impressions and opinions of the course design and how well it meets your needs as a learner. Each interview will take about 30-45 minutes.
Foreseeable Risks: No foreseeable risks are involved in this study.
Benefits to the Subjects or Others: This study is not expected to be of any direct benefit to you.  However, the information gained from this research may allow instructional designers and faculty to design online courses to better meet the needs of dyslexic students in higher education.
Compensation for Participants: If you complete all phases of the study, you will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon.com gift card.
Procedures for Maintaining Confidentiality of Research Records:
You will be asked to create an avatar name which is the only personal identifier that will be requested of your during this study.  Recordings of the observation and interview phases will be stored digitally on a secure server and encrypted.  Signed consent forms will be store in a locked drawer in the office of the Principle Investigator.  Coding data, original results, and written analyses will be stored there during the research and for a period of three years following the study.  There are no plans to make the raw data available to any individuals other than the investigator and the key personnel. The confidentiality of your individual information will be maintained in any publications or presentations regarding this study.
Questions about the Study: If you have any questions about the study, you may contact Mary Dziorny at telephone number 214-704-6671 or the Principal Investigator, Dr. Greg Jones,UNT Department of Learning Technologies, at telephone number 940-565-2571.
Review for the Protection of Participants: This research study has been reviewed and approved by the UNT Institutional Review Board (IRB).  The UNT IRB can be contacted at (940) 565-3940 with any questions regarding the rights of research subjects.
Research Participants’ Rights:

By clicking the link below to access the survey, you indicate that you have read or have had read to you all of the above and that you confirm all of the following:

  • Mary Dziorny has explained the study to you and answered all of your questions.
  • You have been told the possible benefits and the potential risks and/or discomforts of the study.
  • You understand that you do not have to take part in this study, and your refusal to participate or your decision to withdraw will involve no penalty or loss of rights or benefits.
  • The study personnel may choose to stop your participation at any time.
  • You understand why the study is being conducted and how it will be performed.
  • You understand your rights as a research participant and you voluntarily consent to participate in this study.
  • You have been told you will receive a copy of this form.

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