Please read the consent details below. Scroll to the end to enable the signature fields.
The title of this research study is Digital Paths to Diplomas: A Qualitative Descriptive Study on Navajo High School Graduates' Perceptions of Technology in Achieving Educational Success.
I am Ryan Little, a doctoral student under the supervision of Dr. Pamela Sitton in the College of Doctoral Studies at Grand Canyon University.
The purpose of this study is to understand how Navajo high school graduates in the Navajo Nation have used technology to help them learn and graduate. This study examines what types of technology Navajo high school graduates used, how these tools were part of their school experience, and whether the technology helped with learning and doing well in school. This study also explores the issues and benefits of using technology in this unique situation. By looking into these points, this study will provide important information on how technology can help Navajo students do well in school. This could guide new ways of teaching and rules about education in the Navajo Nation.
This document defines the terms and conditions for consenting to participate in this research study.
You can participate in this study if you:
You cannot participate in this study if you:
Research Activities: What am I being asked to do?
What? You will be asked to complete a demographic survey (5–10 minutes) and then choose either a one-on-one interview or a focus group (45–60 minutes) to discuss your educational experiences with technology.
When? You and the researcher will schedule a convenient time and date for the interview or focus group.
Where? At a local chapter house on the Navajo reservation (e.g., Navajo Mountain Chapter House) in person.
How? Interview/focus groups last up to 60 minutes and are recorded (audio and video). You may review transcripts for accuracy (member checking ~30 minutes, done from your computer).
Audio: Recordings are required to participate. Voices will be altered to mask identities; recordings stored securely and accessible only to the research team.
Video: Recordings are required to participate. GoPro will be positioned to avoid faces, focusing on hands or non-identifiable features; encrypted storage, restricted access; recordings deleted after analysis.
The researcher, dissertation chair/committee, and College of Doctoral Studies reviewers may view your information as part of the dissertation review process.
Participation is voluntary. You may stop at any time without penalty. If you withdraw, notify the researcher; your data will be securely deleted upon request and not used further.
No foreseeable risks or discomforts are anticipated.
No direct benefits to you are expected.
No payment or incentives will be provided.
Data will be presented in the dissertation and may be used in reports/presentations/publications as de-identified group data.
Link back to identities? No; data are de-identified.
Initial data contain identifiers? No; initial data does not include names/addresses/specific demographics or identifying audio.
Research ID codes? Yes; your data will be assigned a unique research ID.
Linking list: A confidential, access-restricted list will link names to codes; stored securely.
Retention/destruction: Link retained for the study duration; access limited to authorized team; destruction date: 05-31-2027.
Storage: Electronic data in secure cloud storage (e.g., Dropbox) with 2FA; hardcopy data in locked, access-controlled location.
Retention period: Minimum three years.
Access: Researcher, chair/committee, and College reviewers.
Platform privacy policies:
Signed consent storage: Stored separately from data in locked/encrypted locations.
Once identifiers are removed, de-identified data may be used in future research without additional consent.
Questions before/after consent: Ryan Little — • 602-753-6245
Questions about rights or risk: IRB Chair, College of Doctoral Studies — IRB@gcu.edu; (602) 639-7804