Learning in the 21st century has been undergoing both subtle and radical transformation as a result of the impact of digital, networked technologies. Under these conditions, open learning can support learners across the globe by providing unprecedented access to information and education. However, it is not the technologies themselves that represent the most significant changes, but rather the opportunities for openness that flow from their thoughtful application through the availability of and access to formal and informal learning. Yet without supporting research to drive the direction of these opportunities, issues related to exclusion and fair access may negatively impact such educational changes.

Within this environment, the in-depth and cutting edge research produced by doctoral students provides important insights into the field. Yet, there is often a lack of publishing opportunities for those in the doctoral process to demonstrate their work in the area of open world learning. Therefore, we invite contributions from current doctoral students to JIME for a special collection issue on doctoral research to address the previously shown transformations in an open world. Submissions to this special issue should have a clear educational focus or application and should illuminate the special contribution of doctoral educational technology research to current realities of education around the world.

Research conducted by doctoral students covers many interdisciplinary topics, and we are looking for submissions that present either joint research between doctoral students or individual doctoral research.

DEADLINES

• Manuscript submission deadline: 15 February 2019
• Expected confirmation of acceptance: Mid-April 2019
• Corrections for accepted manuscript due: 1 June 2019
• Expected issue publication date: late summer 2019

Full information can be found at: https://jime.open.ac.uk/announcement/