Focus and Scope
The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning (www.irrodl.org) is a refereed, open access e-journal that aims to disseminate original research, theory, and best practice in open and distance learning worldwide. IRRODL is available free of charge to anyone with access to the Internet.
Section Policies
Editorial
 Open Submissions |
 Indexed |
Peer Reviewed |
Main Section
| Open Submissions |
Indexed |
Peer Reviewed |
Scholarly Research
| Open Submissions |
Indexed |
Peer Reviewed |
Case Studies
| Open Submissions |
Indexed |
Peer Reviewed |
Research Notes
| Open Submissions |
Indexed |
Peer Reviewed |
Book Notes
| Open Submissions |
Indexed |
Peer Reviewed |
Technical Notes
| Open Submissions |
Indexed |
Peer Reviewed |
CIDER Notes
| Open Submissions |
Indexed |
Peer Reviewed |
Peer Review Process
The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning (www.irrodl.org) peer reviews all submissions to its Main Section. All submissions undergo a minimum of peer review by two PhD-prepared reviewers. The typical time from submission to the authors' receiving the first round of opinions on their submission is typically two to three months, pending availability of qualified peer reviewers.
If accepted, submissions are typically published in the next available issue, meaning that the time from submission to publication can take as little as two to three months. The mean time from submission to acceptance, however, is six months.
Peer reviewers are chosen based upon their research of the submission's subject matter and expertise in the research method. All peer reviewers hold PhDs. In special instances wherein a peer reviewer does not hold a PhD, the paper will be subject to three peer reviews, two of which will be judged by PhD-prepared academics.
Criteria by which Peer Reviewers will be ask to evaluate and judge all Main Section submissions are:
1. Complete, clear and well organized presentation;
2. Significance of the problem;
3. Applicability and interest to the field (relevance beyond case presented);
4. Original contribution to open and distance learning;
5. Description of the problem within a theoretical framework (where appropriate);
6. Literature review demonstrates a clear relationship between problem and ODL and other relevant literature;
7. Appropriateness of research design and method;
8. Accurate and useful interpretation;
9. Sound argument and analysis;
10.Conclusion describes implications for distance education theory, research and/or practice.
For more information on www.irrodl.org's peer review process, please contact the Managing Editor at brigettem@athabascau.ca
Publication Frequency
After careful consideration by IRRODL's editorial team, it was decided that the International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning (www.irrodl.org) will follow a continuous batch publication process. This means that once a sufficient number of Main Section articles are accepted (n = 6), we will publish a new issue. The reason for opting for continuous batch publication was simple. We wanted to retain the look and feel of a physical print journal and not overburden our subscribers with numerous email alerts, while at the same time bring accepted papers to publication in a timely manner.
Based on current submissions versus rejection rates, www.irrodl.org will be published between three to six times per year. If submissions are of sufficient rigor and quality, they can be published in as little as two months after receipt.
Open Access Policy
The copywrite for materials that are accepted for publication by IRRODL is retained by the authors. However a condition for publication is that the work be licensed under the Creative Commons, with rights to attribution, no derivative products and commercial use retained by the authors. You are free to print, share and distribute the work as long as you respect the retained rights of the author. IRRODL retains the exclusive right for commercial publication and distribution. Articles submitted for review or published by IRRODL cannot be published in other journals without the permission of the authors and IRRODL.
