Of house of cards and air castles, a deep dive into the fertile fields of educational technologies and technology enhanced learning

Abstract

Educational Technologies (EdTech) and Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) are established fields of academic research with the potential to transform educational practices and outcomes. Yet, they are currently facing several problems that undermine their efficacy and relevance. In this discussion paper, we examine recurrent complaints of researchers in the field allowing us to identify four main root causes responsible for hindering the impact of the field (starting with the less serious to most serious): (4) Lack of formal methods to evaluate, give credit, share and mature prototypes, (3) The prioritization of publication and citation metrics over the acquisition of scientific knowledge that leads to the enhancement of education and learning, (2) Researchers and their lack of practical experience in the field, and (1) The absence of robust epistemological paradigms and frameworks. In this paper, we lay down the problems caused by these root causes, discuss solutions for these causes, and propose implementable steps towards these solutions.