Paradigms, Methodologies, Methods, and the Role of Theory in Online and Blended Learning Research

Abstract

Studies of instructional practices such as online learning and blended learning lend themselves to the consideration of integrating research and practice. Large-scale as well as small-scale projects are acknowledged as important contributions to the online and blended learning research base. This chapter describes the desirability of integrating sound and appropriate research approaches into the research on online and blended learning. It provides an overview of paradigms, methodologies, and methods appropriate for designing research projects focused on issues related to online and blended learning. The chapter presents the case study, ethnography, grounded theory, discourse analysis, and phenomenology. It concludes with a recommendation that researchers remain open to considering all of the options presented in the framework, in that all are appropriate, and can be used, for studying online and blended learning. The role of theory examines social theory, which is ideally suited for studying complex, highly interactive phenomena such as teaching and learning.