Abstract
It hardly needs saying that the largely pseudoscientific research studies reviewed for these meta-analyses fail to provide practitioners with much-needed guidance for improving the design and use of online learning. Another approach exists. It is called design research, and this chapter explores it. Specifically in this chapter, we recommend a design research agenda that has the potential to enhance the effectiveness and worth of online learning. We first describe the rationale for design research, next present design research strategies, and then suggest how to overcome challenges to design research. We conclude by suggesting how readers might become more actively involved in design research in a variety of roles, from academic researcher to consumer of e-learning.