Spark Newsletter: August 5, 2021

Making Your Work Accessible

Spark’s Communication Team is so excited to be consulting with some of McMaster's experts on accessibility as we push toward ensuring that everyone can fully engage in social research at Mac. Spark's starting point for this is ensuring all of our communications – both virtual and in-person – are AODA compliant. For those wanting to understand the accessibility of your digital content, we recommend Accessible Digital Content developed by Kate Brown and Jessica Blackwood through Pressbooks.  We found it extremely helpful and hope you will too.

Accessible Digital Content Guide

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars, Spark's first official event of the 2021-2022 term is now scheduled for September 10^th at 10:30 am. Michelle Dion will be running a “Back to School” Spark Talk, featuring an overview of some tips and tricks for virtual platforms, backup services and accessing digital materials.

Spark’s Annual Open House Event

Want to learn more about the Spark Centre and how we can help you? Join our annual event this year on September 24^th at 10:30-12:30 pm for information, research sessions and fun! Stay tuned for the full agenda!

Have you heard? Spark is taking a (virtual) walk down memory lane to reflect on some of the great Productivity During Pandemic Presentations from this year. Connect with Spark on Twitter (@Spark_McMaster) and tune in every Friday for something we like to call #SparkResearchReplay. 

Connect with Spark on Twitter

In case you missed #SparkResearchReplay:

Group Process Mapping by Spark Executive Director Allison Van

Check it out here:

In case you missed #SparkResearchReplay:

Black Christian Millennials: “Doing Religion” In and Outside of the Black Church by Shaonta’ Allen

Check it out here.

Research guide - Qualitative Research at a Distance

This guide is a starting point for academic and non-academics to explore approaches to socially distanced but deeply engaged qualitative research methods. It aims to provide a practical foundation (in a concise and sharable format) for imaging what is possible during the current pandemic and beyond while offering suggestions for resources to learn more.

Read the Guide

Looking to pool software licences?

Now you can! Fill out this form and we will reach out if we can match you with others looking to pool licences.

We are also attempting a pilot in fall term allowing for virtual desktop access to several licenses for major Qualitative Data Analysis software, and will be seeking volunteers to test out the viability of this option.  FSS faculty, please email talk.to.spark@mcmaster.ca if you're interested in participating.  

Research Conversations

We provide up to 4 hours of free support each year to all McMaster researchers (students, staff and faculty) on every social research topic imaginable.  If we can't help you, we'll help you find someone who can.   

Qualtrics Licences

If you are an FSS researcher who would like to request access to Qualtrics survey software, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/Gn2KvYgdebjo8d2W8.

Brighter Spark Applied Research

Spark offers custom research and evaluation, as well as highly skilled assistance in implementing virtually any social research method. Our cost-recovery services include methods and software training, custom research, state-of-the-art facilities, and taking on elements of your project to support its completion.