Design research on technology-based innovations

The curriculum is, along with assessment, a key driver for education because curricula define goals, content and, in some cases, also the methods of teaching and learning. This chapter suggests that we regard curricula as a roadmap for education. In particular, the author looks at the benefits and limitations of curriculum design research and how its results have the potential to make an important contribution to curriculum policies and development. Rather than attempting to implement elaborate and complete interventions, a process whereby one comes to (successive) prototypes that increasingly meet the innovative aspirations and requirements is suggested. The process is often iterative, cyclic or spiral: analysis, design, evaluation and revision activities are iterated until a satisfying balance between ideals and realisation has been achieved. The author concludes with some specific research characteristics that would strengthen the growth of knowledge through design research.