1a. An explanation of the distinguishing characteristics of ITDE or Curriculum and Teaching research.

High quality research has a number of characteristics, including a theory base, rigor, generalizability and, often, an applied nature. How are these manifested in research conducted in the fields of instructional technology and distance education? Consider, too, the historical shortcomings of research in ITDE and Curriculum and Teaching, and how they may be addressed and overcome.

Learning Outcomes 1 and 3

1.b.An explanation of one theory that is important to the IDT researcher.

Identify one theory commonly applied in the fields of instructional technology and/or distance education. What does the theory attempt to explain? Select, from the literature, and summarize, one study that has employed the theory.

Learning Outcome 2

1.c.A profile of one instructional technology journal and one distance education journal.

Review at least one issue of the journal published within the past two years. Summarize the contents of the issue. What is the primary audience of the journal? How could you employ the information presented in the journal? How is the journal accessed? Is it available through the NSU library? If so, is there an embargo when accessed through the library?