What is Learning at a Distance

This chapter offers a framework for prosecuting research in distance education. The proposed framework is based on widely acknowledged practices in research design and topics of interest in distance education. The two critical components of this framework are key topics or areas of investigation in distance education (which is not an exhaustive list), and methods of research. A key contribution of this framework is that it has the potential to ensure that the most appropriate research method is selected for the topic or question that is to be investigated. The framework itself does not provide directions on how a piece of research ought to be carried out. Instead, it serves as a planning tool for matching research method with the research question or topic. This discussion is an extended version of an earlier discussion on the topic that was published in EduComm Asia (Volume 8, Number 4, June 2003, pages, 16-19), which is non-refereed quarterly newsletter of the Commonwealth Educational Media Center for Asia: New Delhi, India.