The article critiques the current state of educational technology research, emphasizing that it often focuses on the "things" of technology rather than the "problems" practitioners face. This misalignment can lead to ineffective solutions that do not address the core issues in education. For instance, while many educational technologies claim to improve learning outcomes, the evidence supporting these claims is often weak or non-existent.
To bridge this gap, the authors advocate for educational design research (EDR), a methodology that focuses on solving real-world problems through iterative development and empirical investigations. This approach not only aims to create practical solutions but also enhances theoretical understanding, which can guide future research and practice.
Practical Implications for Online Therapy Practitioners
For practitioners providing online therapy services, particularly in special education, the following recommendations from the article can be instrumental in improving your practice:
- Focus on Problems, Not Just Technologies: Shift your focus from merely adopting new technologies to identifying and addressing the specific problems faced by your students. For example, if students struggle with engagement during online sessions, consider incorporating interactive elements that cater to their interests and needs.
- Collaborate with Stakeholders: Engage with teachers, administrators, and parents to understand the unique challenges faced by students. Collaborative efforts can lead to more tailored and effective solutions.
- Implement Action Research: Use action research methodologies to test and refine your interventions. This iterative process allows you to make data-driven decisions and continuously improve your practice.
- Utilize Systematic Reviews: Leverage systematic reviews to inform your practice. These reviews provide a comprehensive analysis of existing research and offer valuable insights into what works and what doesn't.
- Adopt a Holistic Approach: Consider the broader context of your students' lives. Address not only their academic needs but also their social, emotional, and developmental needs through a holistic approach.
Encouraging Further Research
The article also highlights the importance of conducting further research to address the gaps in our current understanding. As a practitioner, you can contribute to this body of knowledge by:
- Participating in Research Studies: Collaborate with researchers to participate in studies that aim to solve practical problems in online therapy.
- Documenting and Sharing Your Findings: Share your experiences and findings with the broader community through publications, presentations, and online forums.
- Advocating for Research Funding: Advocate for funding to support research that addresses the specific challenges faced by students in special education.
By implementing these recommendations and actively engaging in research, you can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your online therapy services and contribute to the broader field of educational technology.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The research we have is not the research we need.
