Problems and Promises of Open-Access Journals in Educational Technology

• In Event: 66.079 - Roundtable Session 25
  In Roundtable Session: 66.079-6 - Survey Methods and Complex Modeling in Instructional Technology Research

Abstract

As the academic publishing industry evolves, there has been an unprecedented growth of “open access journals” (OAJs). In educational technology alone, with an estimated 250 or more total journals, nearly one-third are designated as “open.” Though OAJs are lauded for their contribution to social justice issues (reduction of “pay wall” barriers), there are nevertheless those who are suspicious of the content found in them and others who question the legitimacy of publishing in them. In this study, we sought to discover the opinions of educational technology scholars about OAJs in their own field. We were able to learn which OAJs were deemed to be most valuable, as well as the characteristics of OAJs thought to be particularly important.

Authors

• Ross A. Perkins, Boise State University

• Patrick R. Lowenthal, Boise State University