Learning Management Systems: A Review of the Research Methodology Literature in Australia and China

Education is seen as an important vehicle to foster relationships with countries in the Asia-Pacific region – particularly with Australia’s most important economic partner, China. There are many prior studies that have explored the impact of Learning Management Systems (LMSs) on users through a variety of research designs. However, the diversity of research designs used means that the nuances and subtleties of the diverse approaches, particularly in the context of Australia and China are unknown. This presentation proposal aims to compare the research designs employed by empirical studies of LMS usage in Australia and China. Similarities and differences in research methodologies, research approaches, and data collection methods commonly used in a selection of contemporary studies from both countries will be explored. The findings indicate that Chinese studies employ quantitative methodologies more than Australian studies; confirmatory research is more prevalent in China than in Australia; and that there is a distinct preference for surveys in Chinese studies.