Educational Technology Research and Development is the only scholarly journal in the field focusing entirely on research and development in educational technology. The Research Section assigns highest priority in reviewing manuscripts to rigorous original quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods studies on topics relating to applications of technology or instructional design in educational settings. Such contexts include K-12, higher education, and adult learning (e.g., in corporate training settings).

The Development Section publishes research on planning, implementation, evaluation and management of a variety of instructional technologies and learning environments. The Cultural and Regional Perspectives Section (formerly International Review) welcomes innovative research about how technologies are being used to enhance learning, instruction, and performance specific to a culture or region.