Research Trends in Open, Distance, and Digital Education

Abstract

This chapter sets out to explore the research field of open, distance, and digital education (ODDE) building upon the 3 M-Framework developed in the context of distance education along three broad lines of research: ODDE systems and theories (global macro-level); management, organization, and technology (institutional meso-level); and teaching and learning in ODDE (individual micro-level). Based on various bibliographic analyses, the flow of research areas and trends is described. The COVID-19 pandemic is discussed as a turning point that already has a huge impact on research and practice of the entire field of ODDE. According to thematic similarities and dissimilarities in the academic fields of educational technology (EdTech), distance education (DE), and instructional design (ID), four clusters of academic journals are identified with different thematic foci in various educational contexts. This information can be used to guide researchers to choose an appropriate journal in which to submit their work.