7. Future Research Directions for Blended Learning Research: A Programmatic Construct

In this chapter, we develop a programmatic research construct for blended learning based on an earlier framework proposed by Meyen et al. (J Special Educ Technol, 17(3):37–46, 2002). The use of this programmatic research construct will not only inform researchers of future possible research related to studying learner outcomes, but also expand the scope of blended learning research to other dimensions that are hitherto not yet investigated. This research construct consists of three categories of variables—independent variables, in situ variables, and dependent variables. Independent variables include variables such as the level or type of interaction, pedagogical approach, media attributes, and human computer interface design elements. In situ variables may be considered variables that are situated in the existing blended learning environment. They may include variables such as learner attributes, instructor attributes, learning environments, nature of content, and technology infrastructure. Dependent variables are the various outcomes that a researcher may measure in an experiment. They include variables such as learner outcomes, policy implications, and economic implications. In this final chapter, we will describe each of these variables and then propose several possible research questions to illustrate how the programmatic research construct for blended learning could be utilized in practice.