Chaos rules : an exploration of the work of instructional designers in distance education

This thesis explores the practice of instructional design in distance education through the conceptual lens of chaos theory. It does so by analysing eight case studies of specific projects volunteered by instructional designers working in five institutions in Hong Kong and Australia. The methodology was qualitative, specifically informed by Eisner's vision of the 'critical connoisseur. A parallel strand of investigation investigates the theory and reported practice of instructional design, again from the veiwpoint of chaos theory.