What is it about?

This article explores the difficulties in connecting educational technology research with the development of effective policies. It discusses the differences in goals and timelines between researchers and policymakers, communication challenges, the influence of competing values, and the political nature of education policy. Ultimately, the authors advocate for strategies to bridge the gap between research and policy to foster evidence-based decision-making and improve the implementation and outcomes of educational technology policies.

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Why is it important?

This article is important because it tackles a persistent and complex problem in the field of education: the disconnect between research and policy. By clearly outlining the key challenges that hinder the use of research in policymaking, such as differing cultures and incentives, communication barriers, competing values, and political contexts, the authors provide a valuable framework for understanding this issue. Furthermore, the article moves beyond simply identifying problems to offering concrete, actionable recommendations for how to address them, contributing to the development of more effective and evidence-based education technology policies.

Perspectives

Working on this article with Stephanie was a really valuable experience. We both care deeply about ensuring that research in educational technology actually makes a difference in the real world, and that means influencing policy. We had many insightful discussions about the persistent challenges in bridging that gap.

Professor of Instructional Technology Charles B. Hodges
Georgia Southern University

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Building a policy research agenda in educational technology: current disconnects and future recommendations, Journal of Computing in Higher Education, May 2025, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1007/s12528-025-09441-9.
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