While recognising that there are different perspectives on the definition of e-learning, the workshop aims to focus on research both into fully online distance education, and also into e-learning that combines face-to-face teaching with online learning.

Within the general theme, there will be three parallel sub-themes:

1. Research into institutional planning, management and quality development for online distance education and e-learning

This theme is focused on research serving the needs of policy makers, managers and administrators of online distance education and e-learning.

2. Research into innovative online teaching, learning and knowledge building (including assessment issues)

This theme is focused on research into new models of teaching and learning, and is aimed primarily at teachers, instructors and tutors of online distance education and e-learning.

3. Research into online technology tools and services

This theme is focused on research into the underlying technological infrastructure and services needed to support online online distance education and e-learning, and is aimed primarily at those concerned with designing, building, applying and maintaining technology for e-learners.

There will also be a workshop on appropriate research methods and designs for online distance education and e-learning. This will run at the same time as the parallel sessions. The workshop is aimed at students, teachers and practitioners interested in research design.