A design-based research approach for creating effective online higher education courses

TLDR: In this paper, the authors discuss how a design-based research approach is being used to explore how to design and develop authentic e-learning within the higher education sector and identify some of the challenges educators face when designing and delivering student-centred learning environments.

Abstract: This paper discusses how a design-based research approach is being used to explore how to design and develop authentic e-learning within the higher education sector. Like action research, design-based research is accomplished at the coal face, however, it involves an ongoing iterative process to monitor the effectiveness of a specifically designed artefact “to provide immediate (and accumulating) feedback on the viability of its ‘learning theory’ or ‘hypothetical learning trajectory’ ”(Kelly, 2004, p. 105). Design-based research consists of four connected phases: analysis, development of solutions, iterative cycles of testing and refining solutions and reflection and production of design principles (Reeves, 2006). This paper focuses on phase one of the research process. It identifies some of the challenges educators face when designing and delivering student-centred learning environments and provides examples to demonstrate how technology is currently being used to support student learning in authentic online environments. It proposes one possible solution for improving the quality of online learning in higher education and outlines the intended qualitative methodologies and processes for the following phases of the research project.