Why this reading journal?

This journal is one of my strategies for reading, thinking and writing my assignment and finally my thesis. I read a lot, but so far, haven't recorded my thoughts and comments other than in brief notes. I plan to comment on how my readings contribute to answering my research questions:

• Is there a correlation between e-learning models (learning designs) for distance learning programmes and retention, attainment and satisfaction data?
• How do we categorise learning designs? Can they be used to compare programmes?
• What features of online distance learning design impact on retention, attainment and satisfaction? Variables might include: scaffolding of the online tasks; the amount of active learning; the inclusion of assessment of online tasks; and the variety of interactions between students, their peers, tutors and externals
• Why do students drop out of online courses?
• What are student expectations of learning models?
• What are their experiences of actual learning models?
• What do students actually do in response to teachers set tasks and activities?

These questions are bound to change, but they will drive my thinking to be more than a recording of what I have read!