Title: Future core research areas and associated research challenges for technology-enhanced learning: results of an international Delphi study

Authors: Christine Plesch; Hans Spada; Anne Deiglmayr; Dejana Mullins

Addresses: Institute of Psychology, Department of Cognition Emotion and Communication, University of Freiburg, Engelberger Str. 41, 79085 Freiburg, Germany ' Institute of Psychology, Department of Cognition Emotion and Communication, University of Freiburg, Engelberger Str. 41, 79085 Freiburg, Germany ' ETH Zürich, RZ H 21, Clausiusstrasse 59, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland ' Deloitte Consulting GmbH, Dammtorstr. 12, 20354 Hamburg, Germany

Abstract: We present emerging trends and challenges in research on Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) that resulted from an international Delphi study. The study used the input from members of the European Network of Excellence STELLAR (Sustaining Technology Enhanced Learning LArge-scale multidisciplinary Research), as well as input from two international panels of experts (n₁ = 230, n₂ = 569). Over the course of five Delphi rounds, we identified 11 Core Research Areas (CRAs). A CRA integrates important societal challenges, emerging technological trends and relevant educational research themes into one comprehensive area of TEL research. The CRA connection between formal and informal learning was ranked to be the most important for future TEL research. Ten research challenges complement the CRAs with concrete and innovative research project proposals. Together, the CRAs and the research challenges can serve as a well-founded starting point for future research programmes in TEL.

Keywords: Delphi study; technology-enhanced learning; STELLAR; core research areas; future trends; research challenges; international study; societal challenges; technological trends; educational research; formal learning; informal learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2014.066861

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 2014 Vol.6 No.2, pp.164 - 185

Received: 04 Apr 2014
Accepted: 08 Oct 2014
Published online: 12 Jan 2015 *

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