Telelearning Research and the TeleLearning-Network of Centres of Excellence

Abstract

This article provides a personal perspective on funding and organizational issues related to e-learning, distance education, and other distributed forms of educational technology research. It examines the largest single investment made in this area by the Canadian federal funding councils: the TeleLearning Network of Centres of Excellence (TL•NCE). The article presents an overview of the rationale and need for expanded TeleLearning research at both basic and applied levels. It discusses (and critiques) other funding sources and ends with a call for a renewed and expanded commitment to the multidisciplinary research area that encompasses e-learning and online teaching.