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The research we don’t need will persist until we dismantle the systems that sustain it

Schmidt, Matthew, McDonald, Jason K., Moore, Stephanie·2025·Journal of Computing in Higher Education
DOI 10.1007/s12528-025-09446-4
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Abstract

The educational technology field is at a critical juncture, facing the dual pressures of rapid technological advancement and a pressing need for research that genuinely addresses educational challenges. Despite increasing awareness of these issues, a significant amount of educational technology research remains entrenched in superficial or trend-driven inquiries, failing to tackle deeper, systemic issues. This paper critically examines the historical and institutional forces sustaining what we term “the research we don’t need,” and argues for a transformative shift toward “the research we need.” Such research must prioritize depth, long-term impact, and relevance over mere novelty or ease of publication. We outline how entrenched practices, including academic publishing standards, tenure and promotion metrics, and funding structures, contribute to a cycle that rewards superficial research. To disrupt this cycle, we propose actionable strategies to foster a research ecosystem that values substantive contributions and advocates for systemic change. Ultimately, we urge scholars, institutions, and professional organizations to embrace a collective responsibility to redefine research priorities holistically. By doing so, we can foster a field that meaningfully impacts educators, learners, and society. This is not merely a call for incremental improvements; it is a challenge to realign the field’s fundamental purpose toward more impactful, responsible, and enduring scholarship.

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Authors
Schmidt, M., McDonald, J. K., & Moore, S.
Venue
Journal of Computing in Higher Education
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2025-05-13
Volume
37
Issue
2
Pages
507-542
ISSN
  • 1042-1726
  • 1867-1233
DOI
10.1007/s12528-025-09446-4
Cited by
5
References
4
Language
en
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Schmidt, M., McDonald, J. K., & Moore, S. (2025). The research we don’t need will persist until we dismantle the systems that sustain it. Journal of Computing in Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-025-09446-4