The status of educational technology research in a VUCA world is examined. The acronym, VUCA, stands for "Volatility" (rapidly changing contexts and conditions), "Uncertainty" (information missing that is critical to problem solving), "Complexity" (multiple factors difficult to categorize or control), and "Ambiguity" (vague data subject to multiple interpretations). Each of the terms in the VUCA acronym is discussed in relation to its implications for educational technology research. This article concludes with recommendations for improving the focus and methods of educational technology research so that it becomes a more socially responsible enterprise.