DEHub/Research Themes/Research Themes

In developing the priority research themes for the DE Hub a literature scan was undertaken by DE Hub staff. This background research and analysis of the recent paper ‘Research areas in Distance Education: A Delphi Study’, formed the basis for a focus group inquiry structured around the three key themes of Research and Development, Community and Open Learning and Teaching and Learning. Fifty university distance education practitioners produced recommendations and further questions. The findings were refined and expanded through a two day research planning process with distance education specialists including two international visitors to the DE Hub. An extensive set of research possibilities were further refined and distilled into 15 research themes. Seven research themes were then prioritised for action in 2010. The remaining eight themes will develop and evolve as further research and analysis is undertaken.