The present paper looks at the problems concerned with undertaking doctoral research in e-learning. The four main problems are identified as: the inadequacy of current theories of learning; the relationship between learning and e-learning; frustrations and difficulties for research students working in the field of e-learning; and the lack of an apropriate infrastructure to suport advanced doctoral research in e-learning. In particular, the paper addresses the learning communities that are generated by conventional face-to-face learning in relation to online learning communities; and it looks at how these learning communities are sustained. The paper argues that new forms of doctorate are required in order to address these problems. In order to lead the development of new forms of doctorate, and indeed to develop new forms of knowledge, risk and imagination, sensitivity and good institutional management are required.
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