Shaping the Future of Digital Learning Research
Michael Barbour is the Director of Faculty Development and a Professor of Instructional Design at Touro University California. Along with Jered Borup (Associate Professor of Learning technologies, Georgia Mason University) and Kristen DeBruler (Assistant Director, Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute), they are leading a team to develop this research agenda.
The gap between educational research and classroom practice has long been a concern in the field of education. As a researcher in the field, I have often written that the practice of K-12 digital learning outpaces the availability of useful research. However, the availability of research into K-12 digital learning is not the only reason why many teachers do not regularly incorporate research findings into their teaching practices.
In fact, scholars have identified a number of reasons that this disconnect exists. For example, far too often researchers publish their findings in journals that are simply inaccessible or unavailable to teachers without first having to pay for access. Additionally, the nature of scholarly publishing often involves rigid formats, which teachers view as too theoretical or dense, and disconnected from the realities of the classroom. In many cases, the culture of the school prioritizes immediate problem-solving over long-term, research-informed improvements. Among others.
One reason often given is the reality that far too often the world of educational research and the world of teaching (both classroom and online) often operate in separate spheres, with limited collaboration or communication between researchers and practitioners. Within the field of K-12 digital learning there have been some attempts to address this issue. For example, in 2013 the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) surveyed practitioners and researchers in the field of K-12 online and blended learning to identify research needs. Based on this survey, iNACOL published a research agenda that included ten priorities.
Research is needed to understand what designs are most effective when it comes to data systems and technology infrastructure.
Research is needed to understand what designs are most effective when it comes to data systems and technology infrastructure.
Continued research is needed into promising practices for preparing all education professionals to support learners in K-12 blended and online learning environments.
Research for understanding what change management practices are most effective when implementing breakthrough models in K-12 blended and online learning?
Research is needed to explore the teaching strategies that are most promising in K-12 blended and online learning models.
There is a need for research in the area of instructional design when it comes to discovering the promising practices for designing courses for student learning.
Research is needed into what course and program design elements are necessary when it comes to providing access and equity to all K-12 learners in blended and online learning environments.
Research is needed on the type and frequency of assessments that are most promising for competency-based learning.
Research needs to be expanded regarding the human capital needs in K-12 blended and online learning environments.
Research is needed to explore the effect of policy (national, state, and local) on quality assurance in K-12 blended and online learning environments.
These broad ranging priorities encompassed a vast number of areas that excluded few possible research studies. In fact, these ten priorities could be easily summarized by the introduction to the iNACOL research agenda.
“While enrollment in blended and online models is growing rapidly, the research is still nascent, and there is great… [need for] research in the areas of policy and practice.” (p. 2)
More than a decade has passed since this research agenda was outlined. There have been many advances in technology and accessibility. At the same time, there have been many changes in approaches to instructional design and pedagogy.
As such, we are inviting teachers and leaders like you to help shape the next wave of research in digital learning. This survey aims to gather insights on what research would be most valuable for your online and hybrid programs. Your feedback will directly guide researchers in producing actionable data that supports your efforts and proves the effectiveness of your practices for students.
Also, be sure to join us at Digital Learningpalooza from 3-3:45pm ET on Thursday, October 17th where we will discuss a new Research Agenda for Digital Learning! Ever looked for the research, but couldn't find it? Do you need to show the research behind a teaching strategy but you're having trouble locating any? Together we can work together with the top researchers in the field to help drive the research that we need to help prove our strategies work!