Using action research for complex research initiatives

Training methods and the transfer of knowledge and information has essentially remained unchanged for many years. With the pervasiveness of information and communication technology (ICT), an opportunity has been created to fundamentally change the status quo of training. This paper presents one approach of using ICT through the innovative combination of factors such as a person´s abilities, styles and preferences with a multimodal interface to facilitate enhanced training. However, many ways exist to guide the research process of such a complex research initiative. Action research is one research method that lends itself to these complex projects. The paper uses the ability based technology interventions (AbTi) research project as a case study to analyse the effectiveness of the action research methodology. The paper describes the accumulated learning as obtained from the AbTi research project, as well as the action research methodology used, in order to ultimately be in a position to effect a fundamental change in training. It is found that action research can be an effective methodology for research initiatives of a complex nature.