Using Delphi Methods in a Design-Based Research Approach for Designing and Developing the Total Learning Architecture

• In Event: The Design of Learning Technologies for Diverse Contexts and Audiences

Abstract

The U.S. DoD Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative is designing a framework of specifications, called the Total Learning Architecture (TLA), to ultimately enable “plug-and-play” interoperability of learning technologies. That is, the TLA will allow these new products to interoperate with each other, with other existing learning systems, and even human capital management technologies. Because of the rapid rate of innovation in such distributed technologies, a multiyear design-based research approach was used. During the project’s first year, an initial set of specifications have been developed and evaluated using multi-round Delphi methods with a panel of international participants (n = 51). This paper summarizes the TLA, DBR process and the first-year Delphi study leading to next iteration design improvements.

Authors

• Patrick Shane Gallagher, Institute for Defense Analyses

• Sarah Turkaly, Signal Vine