Doctoral Education in Technology-Enhanced Learning: The Perspective of PhD Candidates and Researchers

Abstract

The field of Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) in recent years has drawn much attention and has been widely researched. Research has mainly focused on the theory, implementation in various disciplines and modes, and the role of TEL, especially in Higher Education. Researchers, however, are called upon to focus on the interdisciplinarity of TEL as well as on its potential in supporting doctoral students, one level above the usual research carried out on undergraduate courses. This paper aims at presenting part of the quantitative results yielded from an online survey which collected information on doctoral education in TEL from PhD candidates and researchers involved in doctoral education or carrying out research in TEL. The findings have shown that despite the increase in the availability of resources and materials as doctoral students move to more advanced stages of their studies, they need adequate support and training in academic writing and research methodologies. This has prompted the design and implementation of a training program for doctoral students by the Doctoral Education for Technology-Enhanced Learning project (DE-TEL), which aimed to improve and innovate the European doctoral education in TEL, by developing a new program and Open Education Resources in this field.