Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2010
DOI
10.30935/cedtech/5959
Publication Title
Contemporary Educational Technology
Volume
1
Issue
1
Pages
17-35
Abstract
Today, the exponential growth of technology usage in education, via such applications of distance education, Internet access, simulations, and educational games, has raised substantially the focus and importance of educational technology research. In this paper, we examine the past and present research trends, with emphasis on the role and contribution of research evidence for informing instructional practices and policies to improve learning in schools. Specific topics addressed include: (a) varied conceptions of “effective” technology uses in classroom instruction as topics for research, (b) historical trends in research approaches and topics of inquiry; (c) alternative research designs for balancing internal (rigor) and external (relevance) validity; and (d) suggested directions for future research. Attention is devoted to describing varied experimental designs as options for achieving appropriate rigor and relevance of research evidence, and using mixed-methods research for investigating and understanding technology applications in complex real-life settings.
Rights
The articles published in this journal are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License.
Original Publication Citation
Ross, S. M., Morrison, G. R., & Lowther, D. L. (2010). Educational technology research past and present: Balancing rigor and relevance to impact school learning. Contemporary Educational Technology, 1(1), 17-35. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/5959
Repository Citation
Ross, Steven M.; Morrison, Gary R.; and Lowther, Deborah L., "Educational Technology Research Past and Present: Balancing Rigor and Relevance to Impact School Learning" (2010). STEMPS Faculty Publications. 255.
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/stemps_fac_pubs/255