Towards responsible AI-augmented evidence synthesis in Open, Distance, and Digital Education (ODDE)

Authors

  • Olaf Zawacki-Richter University of Oldenburg https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1482-8303
  • Florence Martin North Carolina State University
  • Melissa Bond University College London
  • Richard E. West Brigham Young University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v30iSI2.6749

Abstract

This editorial introduces the special issue on evidence synthesis in open, distance, and digital education (ODDE), highlighting the growing importance of rigorous, transparent, and reproducible approaches to research synthesis. It considers emerging opportunities and challenges associated with artificial intelligence in evidence synthesis and proposes five principles for responsible AI-augmented review practices emphasizing methodological rigor, transparency, validation, human scholarly judgment, and reproducibility. The editorial also situates the special issue’s contributions within broader developments in evidence synthesis, including AI and self-regulated learning, learner success and support, theoretical developments in ODDE, and methodological advances.

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Cover for the November 2026 Online Learning special issue, “Evidence Synthesis in Open, Distance, and Digital Education.” Stylized document icons flow through a funnel into an interconnected network, representing the synthesis of multiple sources of evidence.

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Published

2026-11-06

How to Cite

Zawacki-Richter, O., Martin, F., Bond, M., & West, R. E. (2026). Towards responsible AI-augmented evidence synthesis in Open, Distance, and Digital Education (ODDE). Online Learning, 30(SI2), Article e6749. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v30iSI2.6749

Issue

Section

Evidence Synthesis in Open, Distance, and Digital Education

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