Interdisciplinary Doctoral Training in Technology-Enhanced Learning in Europe

Abstract

Technology enhanced learning (TEL) research connects Learning Sciences, Educational Psychology, and Computer Science, in order to investigate interventions based on digital technologies in education and training settings. In this paper, we argue that doctoral training activity for TEL needs to be situated at the intersection of disciplines in order to facilitate innovation. For this, we first review the state of disciplinarity in TEL, reviewing existing meta-studies of the field. Then, we survey 35 doctoral education programs in Europe in which doctoral students working on TEL topics are enrolled. Findings indicate that most doctoral schools are associated with a single discipline and offer methodological rather than content-specific modules. TEL-specific content is provided only in exceptional cases, creating a potentially isolating gap between master-level education and scientific conferences. On this background, we argue that cross-institutional doctoral training is important to progress TEL as a field. In this article, we study and share the approach of an international doctoral summer school organized by the European society EA-TEL over the past 15 years. The summer school provides foundational methodological knowledge from multiple disciplines, contentspecific topical knowledge in TEL, access to cutting edge scientific discourse, and discussion of horizontal issues to doctoral students. We further provide an analysis of shifting program topics over time. Our analysis of both, institutional as well as crossinstitutional doctoral training in TEL, constitutes this paper's core contribution in that it highlights that further integration of perspectives and knowledge is to be done in TEL; together with codification and explication of knowledge in the intersection of disciplines.

Challenge-based, interdisciplinary learning for sustainability in doctoral education

“…Doctoral summer schools can be valuable elements contributing to the IJSHE 23,7 careers of doctoral candidates, offering unique opportunities for intersectoral mobility and international collaboration, consistent with the Salzburg Principles on doctoral education (EUA-CDE, 2016). A number of cases have already shown that doctoral summer schools can support participants in developing interdisciplinary and international networks (Pammer-Schindler et al, 2020). In addition to traditional teaching methods, such as lectures, summer schools usually engage students in active learning, through presentations, as well as smalland large-group discussions, where lecturers or teachers act as facilitators.…”

Investigating Student Satisfaction and Adoption of Technology-Enhanced Learning to Improve Educational Outcomes in Saudi Higher Education

“…As a result, the study and use of TEL have gained acceptance in Germany [24], where institutions have started using it heavily in an effort to lessen the effects of COVID-19 [25]. Although TEL has been used in a similar way outside of Europe, little research has been conducted on the subject.…”

Mapping the Landscape of Doctoral Research in Technologies in Education: A 25-Year Analysis in Portuguese Universities

“…Building upon this perspective, and acknowledging the pivotal role of post-graduate studies in advancing knowledge and its practical applications across diverse domains [2], it becomes imperative to gain insight into the nature of doctoral research. This understanding is vital in assessing its contribution to fostering innovation and knowledge generation, especially in light of the profound impact of digital technologies across various sectors and institutions in society [3][4][5].…”

“…While certain technologies are still in the process of establishing their presence in educational research [10,11], TE has evolved into a significant sub-field within the broader domain of education [8]. A deeper exploration of this sub-field is essential for understanding its subject matter and the prevailing directions in scientific inquiry [5,7]. Research trend analysis is of particular significance.…”