Table 1

A Matrix for Conceptualizing Research on Distance Education (based in part on Driscoll, 1995 and Briggs, 1982).

Needs AssessmentAnalysisSolutions and AlternativesInstructional DesignInstructional DevelopmentMedia and DeliveryEvaluation and Continuous ImprovementDiffusion and Adoption
Experiment and Quasi-ExperimentEffect of alternative planning tactics in aligning goals and objectives within a strategic planning and needs assessment processComparison of alternative task analysis methods for identified performance discrepanciesEffect of changes in specified variable of a reward/incentive program in improving performanceWhich of specified variables in materials increase student motivation/mastery/satisfaction.Comparison of two feedback systems for improving learner performanceEffect of alternative timing of feedback on learner performanceWhat factors influence a learners level one (or two, three, four, or five) evaluation of an online courseEffects of specific variables in adoption of distance education in a professional school
Meta-AnalysisSystematic review of needs assessment research on similar variables in terms of performance accomplishmentSystematic review of task analysis research on similar variables in terms of performance accomplishmentSystematic review of performance system design research on similar variables in terms of performance accomplishmentSystematic review of instructional strategy research on similar variables in terms of performance accomplishmentSystematic review of visual literacy research on similar variables in terms of performance accomplishmentSystematic review of instructional video research on similar variables in terms of performance accomplishmentSystematic review of goal-free evaluation research on similar variables in terms of performance accomplishmentSystematic review of diffusion research on similar variables in terms of performance accomplishment
Case Study/EthnographyCase study of alterative tactics in conducting needs assessmentsCase study of teams or organizations conducting needs analysisCase study of learners using EPSS systemsCase study of projects converting courses for online deliveryCase study of development projects of CD-Rom mediaCase study of an institution utilizing a new educational technologyCase study of programs' improvement processes for training unitsCase study of a new technology being integrated into schools
Technology Development and Evaluation using a Novel TechniqueDevelopment and evaluation of a tool for conducting aligning strategic planning and needs assessment using a novel techniqueDevelopment and evaluation of a tool for conducting a context analysis using a novel techniqueDevelopment and evaluation of job aid systems using a novel techniqueDevelopment and evaluation of tools for increasing creativity problem solving tactics in design using a novel techniqueDevelopment and evaluation of tools for developing online activities using a novel techniqueDevelopment and evaluation of a tool for integrating mixed media using a novel techniqueDevelopment and evaluation of a tool for synthesizing evaluationdata using a novel techniqueDevelopment and evaluation of tool for generating adoption of a new technology using a novel technique
Cost-Effectiveness and Costs-Consequences AnalysisCost-effectiveness/efficiency of conducting a societal-focused needs assessmentCost-effectiveness/efficiency of conducting a performance analysisCost-effectiveness/efficiency of instructional and/or course delivery alternativesCost-effectiveness/efficiency of conducting formative evaluations; summative evaluations; goal-free evaluations.Cost-effectiveness of the application of computer design toolsCost-effectiveness/efficiency of compressed video deliveryCost-effectiveness/efficiency of collecting useful evaluation data onlineCost-effectiveness/of slow adoption models
Model Development and EvaluationA model for prioritizing needs (gaps in results) in a unique contextA model for conducting context analysis in a unique contextA model for selecting effective and efficient non-training solutionsA model for selecting appropriate/effective learner to learner interactions at a distanceA model for the rapid prototype development of online instructionA model for effectively using a new media for the delivery of instructionA model for assessing learner performance on the job after instructionA model for spreading the use of a technology in a unique population
Novel Technique Development and EvaluationMethod for using online technologies in the collection of needs assessment dataMethod for conducting a task or performance analysis at a distanceMethod for the application and impact of alternative performance technologiesMethod for selecting the appropriate media for instructional objectivesMethod for using storyboards to develop instructionMethod for motivating learners in distance educationMethod for improving low quality distance education coursesMethod for involving leaders in the diffusion of a technology

Note: The elements of educational research on distance education (along the top) and research paradigms (down the side) are not intended to represent all possible research in the field. Rather, they offer a reasonable sample and a starting place for those looking to develop a research agenda.

[ViewLarge]
This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

or Create an Account

Close Modal
Close Modal