Research in Distance/Online Learning
The field of distance/online learning is fertile ground for anyone wishing to carry out research in education. While distance learning has existed in one for or another since the mid 1800′s, its modern expression really took form in the 1960′s. Research into the philosophy/theory, administration, teaching practices, learner characteristics, as well as the technologies that deliver distance learning is necessary so that everyone involved has “a touchstone against which decisions could be made with confidence” (Holmberg, 1985, as cited by Simonson et al, 2009). As a technical writer/instructional designer, I am interested in the results of other’s original research efforts, not in pursuing my own. My interests lie in two directions: new technologies and advances in brain research applied to education.
Technology
Fortunately, keeping up with changes in technology is something I like to do 
Unfortunately, the pace and breadth is exhausting 
, so I have to limit myself. Here’s a list of the types of technology I’m interested in and how I use them in my work as a technical writer.
- HTML/CSS – formatting content
- DITA/XML – information architecture, single sourcing content
- digital image/video/sound creation – interactive content
- Web 2.0 – web-based apps, social networking sites, feeds
- Knowledge/Content management
Most of these technologies are fairly broad in their appeal, which makes it easy to find reliable sources of information. I like these sources.
Brain Research in Education
My interest in the brain began during the days of my son’s brain-based cancer, medulloblastoma, which I have written about on other pages in this blog. As I have studied adult learners and learning, I’ve been introduced to brain research as it is applied to education. Since this is a new interest, I am still building my list of topics and sources, but here’s a few that appear to be promising.
- ERIC – Educational Resources Information Center
- The Dana Foundation
