Educational Technology Research in and on Practice: An Analysis of Dissertations in a Doctoral Program

The goal of this study is to broaden viewpoints about what practice-based scholarship related to educational technology may look like and what it can accomplish. Based on an analysis of 79 dissertations completed in a doctoral program, we describe the various types of problems studied, the instructional interventions that are designed to address and study these problems, and some of the challenges faced by practice-based researchers. We also discuss the complexities of practice-based research and implications for such research. While our data focuses on practice-based scholarship completed in one doctoral program, our findings are relevant to others involved in or embarking upon practice-based scholarship including doctoral students and their mentors, practitioners wishing to improve practice through research, educational researchers who collaborate with practitioners and leaders who may strive to elevate practice-based scholarship in dissemination outlets in the field.