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In:Digital and Internet-Based Research Methods in Applied Linguistics
Edited by Matt Kessler
[Research Methods in Applied Linguistics 15] 2026
► pp. 82–102

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Chapter 5
Online courses and education platforms

 | Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center
Published online: 5 January 2026
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.15.05bik
Abstract
Researching online courses and education platforms is key as course developers confront challenges related to the rapid pace of technological change as well as students’ continually evolving needs and expectations related to learning in online environments. This chapter offers specific examples on how online courses and education platforms have been researched within applied linguistics, including common types of courses or platforms that have been studied, frequently asked research questions, and how studies are conducted. It also explores challenges and ethical considerations for conducting research in these environments, summarizes major findings and implications from past studies, and concludes with possible future research directions.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Frequently asked research questions
    • Student perceptions, behavior, and learning
    • Teacher behavior, perceptions, and experiences
    • Teacher and learner interactions
    • Focus on technology, tools, or course platforms
  • 3.Implementation
    • Common course types or platforms for researching online courses
      • Blended courses
      • Massive open online courses (MOOCs) and large classes
      • Asynchronous and synchronous courses
      • Comparing online, F2F, and blended courses
    • Sequencing of research design and implementation
      • Identifying a topic
      • Establishing the research context/participant selection
      • Determining data collection procedures
      • Determining data analysis procedures
  • 4.Example studies
    • Moorhouse et al. (2022)
    • Youngs (2021)
    • Strawbridge (2021)
    • Teng et al. (2004)
  • 5.Ethics and research integrity considerations
  • 6.Challenges and issues
  • 7.Future research directions
  • References
References (33)
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