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How Play-Based Learning Impacts Students With Specific Learning And Social-Emotional Needs, Michaela Mt Duncan Jan 2024

How Play-Based Learning Impacts Students With Specific Learning And Social-Emotional Needs, Michaela Mt Duncan

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The study of play-based learning has unique implications for educational settings, children, and families.,In recent years play-based learning in education, especially for students with specific learning and social-emotional needs, has had increasing recognition. Play-based learning provides an approach for students that focuses on not just academic development, but also social skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving abilities. For students with diverse needs, such as those with learning disabilities or emotional difficulties, play-based learning offers a safe and inclusive environment where they can explore, experiment, and engage with their peers in a meaningful way. Through play, these students can enhance their communication …


Divorcing Values: A Quantitative Study Of Religious K-12 Leaders In The Public Sphere, Christine Collins-Otto Jan 2024

Divorcing Values: A Quantitative Study Of Religious K-12 Leaders In The Public Sphere, Christine Collins-Otto

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This cross-sectional quantitative study examined the relationship between public K-12 leaders’ levels of religiosity, job satisfaction, intention to leave, and perceived organizational fit when required to implement policies incongruent with their personal values. This study also explored whether experiences of values incongruence were related to job satisfaction, intention to leave, and perceived organizational fit. The leaders’ level of religiosity and experiences with values incongruence served as the independent variables to compare with the three dependent variables: job satisfaction, intention to leave, and perceived organizational fit. The person-environment fit theory provided the overarching conceptual framework (Kristof, 1996). Participants were recruited from …


Exploring The Current Reality Of Supporting Multilingual Learners In Greater Minnesota: Bridging Practice And Policy To Plan Forward, Amanda Lee Tegels Jan 2024

Exploring The Current Reality Of Supporting Multilingual Learners In Greater Minnesota: Bridging Practice And Policy To Plan Forward, Amanda Lee Tegels

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The purpose of this study was to understand the current reality of multilingual learner supports in schools in Greater Minnesota and align that current reality with the Minnesota Learning English for Academic Proficiency and Success (LEAPS) Act in order to make recommendations at the local level and advocate at a greater scale. This was an exploratory case study of a school district in Greater Minnesota that included semi-structured interviews, district documents, and publicly available student data. The Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) was used as the theoretical framework to understand the current reality of the district which was then aligned …


The Influence Of Intrapartum Interventions On The Development Or Prevention Of Postpartum Mood Disorders, Jamie L. Shelley, Meghan Perrodin Jan 2024

The Influence Of Intrapartum Interventions On The Development Or Prevention Of Postpartum Mood Disorders, Jamie L. Shelley, Meghan Perrodin

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Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a challenging yet common experience for new mothers worldwide. PPD is impacted by intrapartum interventions, but their effects are not well-defined in the literature. The purpose of this integrative review was to identify intrapartum interventions that increase or mitigate a woman’s risk for postpartum depression. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, and ScienceDirect for articles published between 2014-2024. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select applicable studies. Search results were uploaded to Covidence systematic review software and used to screen included studies. Throughout the process, the Johns Hopkins Evidence Research Appraisal …


How Students Benefit From Trauma Informed Instruction And Strategies, John Michael Webb Jan 2024

How Students Benefit From Trauma Informed Instruction And Strategies, John Michael Webb

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Trauma-informed teaching is a life changing undertaking that recognizes the important impact of trauma on students’ lives and learning experiences. This thesis provides a concise overview of the key principles and benefits of trauma-informed teaching. To understand trauma, teachers/service providers need to know that trauma can take many forms, including physical, emotional, or psychological abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence. It is very important for teachers to recognize that trauma is widespread and can significantly obstruct a student’s ability to thrive in school. This thesis has been written to define trauma and inform special education teachers on how to apply …


Impact Of Cell Phone Use On Student Engagement And Academic Success, Matthew Kenutis Jan 2024

Impact Of Cell Phone Use On Student Engagement And Academic Success, Matthew Kenutis

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This paper examines the impact cell phone use has on student engagement and academic success in high school students. Through a comprehensive study of literature reviews, this paper aims to evaluate the positive and negative effects of cell phone use in the classroom and the policies deemed effective at increasing learner engagement and academic success. This paper offers insights for administrators, educators, and parents to better understand and address the challenges and opportunities that cell phones pose in the classroom setting.


The Value Of Play In An International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program Preschool Classroom, Colin Bryce Howell Jan 2024

The Value Of Play In An International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program Preschool Classroom, Colin Bryce Howell

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This work sought to further understand the benefits and consequences of play in early childhood settings. Benefits included brain development stimulation, improvement in intelligence, a boost in personal creative thinking, bolstered communication skills and social emotional regulation abilities, better social competence, improved physical and mental health, increased problem solving skills, and strengthened relationships. Varying types of play provide valuable data points as to the critical importance of play in the development of young children. Research continues to suggest a strong link between the efficacy of purposeful play and the correlating benefits of children’s growth and development in key areas. These …


Bridging The Gap: Effective Strategies To Engage Emerging Adults In The Church, Tara P. Bulger Jan 2024

Bridging The Gap: Effective Strategies To Engage Emerging Adults In The Church, Tara P. Bulger

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This study intended to identify effective strategies to engage emerging adults in the church because research and the researcher’s experience noticed a decline in emerging adults’ attendance in church. This led to the exploration of scripture for biblical themes for reaching the next generation, and a review of current and relevant literature on emerging adulthood, ministry strategies for emerging adults, reasons for their lack of engagement, and intergenerational ministry best practices. A qualitative case study was conducted using a questionnaire and an interview guide. The research used data from 36 emerging adults ages 18-38-years-old, and three senior pastors of intergenerational …


Christian Leadership Development: A Christian Leadership Development Curriculum To Increase Emotional Intelligence (Eq) Using A Multifauceted Approach, Molly Katherine Schroeder Jan 2024

Christian Leadership Development: A Christian Leadership Development Curriculum To Increase Emotional Intelligence (Eq) Using A Multifauceted Approach, Molly Katherine Schroeder

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This study delved into the need for, design, and evaluation of a Christian Leadership Development curriculum aimed explicitly at increasing Emotional Intelligence among leaders within the Christian faith through a multifaceted approach that blended Spiritual Practices, activities, and periods of reflection, all underpinned by Experiential Learning Theory. Adopting a qualitative case study research design, Christian leaders currently serving in a pastoral role participated in a two-session workshop series utilizing the Christian Leadership Development curriculum. An Emotional Intelligence self-assessment, Emotional Intelligence 2.0, was utilized both prior to participation in the workshops, and immediately following the workshops. Participants also completed a survey …


Restorative Practices Lead To Turnaround: Presbyterian Churches In Nebraska, Regina Claudette Jeanpierre-Bryant Jan 2024

Restorative Practices Lead To Turnaround: Presbyterian Churches In Nebraska, Regina Claudette Jeanpierre-Bryant

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This thesis project examines the Gospel of Luke for restorative practices Jesus used when ministry was hard. Jesus is projected in this study as a self-differentiated leader who was victorious in His ministry because He relied on the Holy Spirit, Scripture, and Prayer as restorative practices when He was faced challenges. It also includes an evaluation of current literature on declining/failing churches and turnaround churches. Qualitative research was conducted using research instruments comprised of interviews with three Nebraskan Presbyterian pastors and a survey of members of a Nebraskan Presbyterian congregation. This research was designed so that it may encourage churches …


Barriers And Strategies For Inclusion Of Students With Severe Disabilities In General Education, Laura Ramberg Jan 2024

Barriers And Strategies For Inclusion Of Students With Severe Disabilities In General Education, Laura Ramberg

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The topic of educating students with severe disabilities in the general education setting is not a new idea. Inclusion of these students into the mainstream educational setting is supported by the Individuals with Disabilities Act and through decades of research. The benefits of educating students with disabilities in the general education setting have been studied extensively, and include academic benefits, increased social skills and more access to grade level curriculum. Based on this, it has been concluded that teachers have a duty to educate all of their students, including those with disabilities. The purpose of this thesis is to first …


Transformational Leadership Characteristics Of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, Marie E. Hofmann Jan 2024

Transformational Leadership Characteristics Of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, Marie E. Hofmann

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This thesis examines how Skanderbeg utilized transformational leadership principles. To identify Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg’s leadership characteristics, the researcher used a qualitative interpretive biography, a subcategory of narrative inquiry. Skanderbeg inspired his followers through his vision, charisma, and steadfast commitment to the cause of Albanian independence from Ottoman domination. He had a special ability to unify feudal lords, foster a strong sense of common identity, and awaken a deep level of loyalty among his troops. Skanderbeg’s transformational leadership left a deep-seated imprint on Albanian history, exemplifying how visionary leadership can inspire a nation to rise against adversity and strive for a …


Diversity And Inclusion In Historical White Church: The Great Experiment, Deborah J. Roberts-Carter Jan 2024

Diversity And Inclusion In Historical White Church: The Great Experiment, Deborah J. Roberts-Carter

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This research project addresses the concern of minorities receiving spiritual growth from church leaders. This research project presents how a church accepted the challenge of removing segregation within the church's wall and moving towards integration into the spirit and teaching of Jesus Christ. The research project also has incorporated the book of Galatians, focusing on the Apostle Paul, reminding the Jews and the Gentiles that to fulfill the spirit and teachings of Jesus Christ, you have to Love your neighbor as yourself. The research project presents the methods the church has implemented, such as diversity and inclusion training and additional …


Developing A Leadership Model That Encourages Racial Equity In The Church, Karen J. Beaumont Jan 2024

Developing A Leadership Model That Encourages Racial Equity In The Church, Karen J. Beaumont

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This project, Developing a Leadership Model that Encourages Racial Equity in the Church, brings the reader to a place of real contemplation over personal quandaries regarding racism in this country, as well as current leadership practice in the Church at large. One of the greatest problems in this country is racism; one of the greatest problems in the Church at large is lack of how to handle racism. People think of the Church as a safe haven where they can feel like they have a “place” in society when everything on the outside of the Church is in chaos. However, …


Ministry Formation: An African American Pastor's Perspective On The Use Of Non-Seminary And Secular Work Training For Pastoral Leadership, Jerry Kelvin Maynard Jan 2024

Ministry Formation: An African American Pastor's Perspective On The Use Of Non-Seminary And Secular Work Training For Pastoral Leadership, Jerry Kelvin Maynard

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In contemporary society, the role of pastors and religious leaders is crucial in guiding communities towards spiritual growth and providing support during times of hardship. However, the traditional path to becoming a pastor typically involves seminary training and theological education. This project aims to explore how an African American pastor utilizes his non-seminary training and secular work experiences to serve in pastoral leadership. By examining the unique background and experiences of this pastor, the researcher seeks to shed light on the ways in which non-traditional forms of preparation can contribute to effective pastoral ministry, particularly in diverse pastoral selection and …


Interdisciplinary Unit Planning For The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (Ibdp) To Support Multilingual Language Learners, Jessica R. Dubie Jan 2024

Interdisciplinary Unit Planning For The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (Ibdp) To Support Multilingual Language Learners, Jessica R. Dubie

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The research conducted in this thesis intends to consider the possibilities within the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) to establish similar levels of interdisciplinarity as the rest of the IB continuum, specifically in the support of multilingual language learners (MLL), given the high numbers of students completing the coursework in their second or third language around the world. In considering various IB publications and the research conducted by Ecctis (2021), the basic framework for how to define interdisciplinarity in the Diploma Programme would be established, but the methodology and support for MLL students in this academic level would come from …


Literacy And The English Language Learner: How The Science Of Reading Informs Best Literacy Practices For English Language Learners, Elizabeth K. Steinbock Jan 2024

Literacy And The English Language Learner: How The Science Of Reading Informs Best Literacy Practices For English Language Learners, Elizabeth K. Steinbock

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This thesis explores how the science of reading (the body of research that supports evidence-based practices around literacy development) informs educators about the most effective practices for the development of proficient literacy skills in ELL students. This review begins by examining the theoretical framework underpinning much of the current literacy research, literature, and practice. All major areas of reading development are covered, including comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and foundational skills (phonology, decoding, morphology). Through an extensive literature review, this thesis uncovers the complex factors that impact ELL students’ literacy development, including their level of proficiency in their first language, predictors of …


Barriers And Facilitators For The Reduction Of Illicit Opioid Use In The Peripartum Period, Jennifer L. Botelho, Jounia S. Saint-Juste Jan 2024

Barriers And Facilitators For The Reduction Of Illicit Opioid Use In The Peripartum Period, Jennifer L. Botelho, Jounia S. Saint-Juste

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Introduction: There has been a steady rise in the incidence of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) in pregnant women in the past decade, becoming a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality and prompting the need for a deeper understanding of challenges and strategies for improving care. The purpose of this integrative review is to identify barriers and facilitators for sobriety in individuals with opioid use in the peripartum period. Methods: An initial online search from CINAHL, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and PsychInfo was conducted with Boolean operators that yielded 1159 articles to be reviewed and uploaded to Covidence for screening. Original research …


Standards-Based Grading And The Future Of High School Student Assessment, Patrick C. Mengelkoch Jan 2024

Standards-Based Grading And The Future Of High School Student Assessment, Patrick C. Mengelkoch

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Through a review of studies and literature as well as educational theories, this literature review is a comprehensive understanding of standards-based grading (SBG) and its applicability in high school business education. SBG seeks to provide clear and transparent feedback to students, education, and additional stakeholders while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, equity, and personalized learning. SBG uses core principles like defined learning standards, reassessment, and comportment grading to help provide a more complete picture of student's progress and proficiency in the classroom. Furthermore, this review will examine the characteristics of high school business classes, such as real-world applicability, and …


Augmentative And Alternative Communication For People With Disabilities, Madisen Paulseth Jan 2024

Augmentative And Alternative Communication For People With Disabilities, Madisen Paulseth

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This literature review examines augmentative and alternative communication for people with disabilities. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is an alternative communication method for people with disabilities and communication deficits. Research to seek this information included identifying what augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems are available to people with disabilities, how AAC is being implemented into instruction for people with disabilities, and the impacts of AAC for people with disabilities. Results indicated that AAC system preferences, AAC awareness, team collaboration, and AAC instruction and intervention are four significant contributors to AAC user success. These four contributors will help enhance the overall …


Effective Programming And Instruction For Students With Social And Behavioral Needs, Anna S. Cook Jan 2024

Effective Programming And Instruction For Students With Social And Behavioral Needs, Anna S. Cook

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Providing special education services to students with Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD) can be especially complex. EBD students often display academic deficits which are compounded by difficult behaviors and result in many students lagging 1-2 grade levels behind their peers. If not addressed adequately, the combined skill and behavioral challenges continue into adulthood and lead to troubling outcomes such as higher rates of unemployment, dysfunctional relationships, and negative encounters with the legal system. Early and consistent effective intervention is critical to benefit EBD students across academic and social-emotional domains to facilitate as much appropriate inclusion as possible. This review examines: the …


A Quantitative Examination Of Teachers’ Perception Of Children’S Socio-Emotional Development In Reggio Emilia And Alberta Flight Framework-Driven Early Childhood Education And Care Centers, Emmanuel Adegboyega Adewusi Jan 2024

A Quantitative Examination Of Teachers’ Perception Of Children’S Socio-Emotional Development In Reggio Emilia And Alberta Flight Framework-Driven Early Childhood Education And Care Centers, Emmanuel Adegboyega Adewusi

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This quantitative cross-sectional study examines teachers’ perceptions of children’s socio-emotional development in Reggio Emilia and Alberta Flight framework-driven Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) centers. Two research questions guide the investigation: Are there significant differences in teachers’ perceptions of socio-emotional development between children attending Reggio Emilia and Alberta Flight centers? Is there a significant difference in teachers’ perceptions of the socioeconomic status of children in these centers? The study gathered teachers’ perceptions of children’s socio-emotional development and explored differences between curricular frameworks. Responses were received from 47 Alberta Flight schools and 26 Reggio Emilia schools. Data analysis, including t-tests and …


Special Education Teacher Attrition: The Role Of School Leaders And Administrators In Supporting And Retaining Qualified Staff, Amanda N. Koop Jan 2024

Special Education Teacher Attrition: The Role Of School Leaders And Administrators In Supporting And Retaining Qualified Staff, Amanda N. Koop

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This literature review examines studies relating to special education teacher attrition and retention. The primary focus of this literature is to gain an understanding of the factors leading to the rising attrition in special education, potential implications on student achievement, and what school leaders can do to combat this attrition and retain qualified staff. Results identify variables such as extreme workloads and accountability pressures, overall dissatisfaction with school climate, lack of administration support, and low wages as leading factors to why special educators are leaving the field. Studies suggest that losing high quality special education staff negatively affects the learning …


Effective Practices In The Pulpit Ministry That Mitigate Ecclesial Adoption Of Popular Culture Among Converge Worldwide Churches In Minneapolis And St. Paul, Titus W. Wanyonyi Jan 2024

Effective Practices In The Pulpit Ministry That Mitigate Ecclesial Adoption Of Popular Culture Among Converge Worldwide Churches In Minneapolis And St. Paul, Titus W. Wanyonyi

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This study sought to address the need for effective practices in the pulpit ministry that would mitigate ecclesial adoption of popular culture. To achieve this goal, the researcher carried out a review of the host cultures of the 1st century church and a content analysis of the speeches of Peter in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost and Paul in Pisidian Antioch. He also carried out a general overview of the apostolic speeches to ascertain whether the two aforementioned speeches would be considered representative. He identified and isolated several common practices. Further, he performed an ecclesial impact analysis of those …


The Role Of Administration In Creating Equitable Educational Practices, Erin A. Burch Jan 2024

The Role Of Administration In Creating Equitable Educational Practices, Erin A. Burch

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Effective leadership practices in education have been extensively researched, yet inequitable outcomes for marginalized groups remain despite evidence-based strategies and accountability measures. How can educational leaders and administrators support an equitable education for all students? Effective leadership practices in education require a multifaceted approach that includes collaboration, culturally responsive practices, developmental supervision, and a focus on equity. Continuous professional development, supportive supervisory practices, and a commitment to building a collaborative school culture are essential for addressing systemic inequities and improving outcomes for all students.


More Than Just A Location: Redefining Inclusion In Special Education, Karen Rowan Jan 2024

More Than Just A Location: Redefining Inclusion In Special Education, Karen Rowan

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Inclusive education is widely acknowledged as a beneficial opportunity for students with disabilities. However, the location of the instruction is only one factor in creating inclusive opportunities for all students. For education to be truly inclusive, appropriate support to foster participation and learning within the chosen setting must also be provided. Despite international acceptance of this ideal, implementation of inclusive education is challenging. Through a review of current research, I will examine how current inclusion practices in special education impact the social-emotional development and academic achievement of students with diverse learning needs. Advantages of inclusive education include increased access to …


The Experiences Of Hmong American Parents And Guardians Who Navigate The U.S. Public School System Through Hmong American Charter Schools, Lee Thao Jan 2024

The Experiences Of Hmong American Parents And Guardians Who Navigate The U.S. Public School System Through Hmong American Charter Schools, Lee Thao

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This study examined the experiences of Hmong American parents who navigate the U.S. public school system through Hmong American charter schools. The purpose of this study was to determine the successes and challenges, as defined and described by Hmong American parents, in the hope of creating a positive and effective educational experience for Hmong families. A qualitative, phenomenological research design was selected to gather the narrative and provide a comprehensive understanding of the parents’ experiences. Through purposive sampling and snowball sampling, 10 Hmong American parents were interviewed for this study. Through the process of verification and credibility and analytical coding, …


Understanding The Lived Experiences Of Special Education Teachers Tasked With Ensuring Parental Involvement In Special Education Processes, Dharmisha Tailor Narayanan Jan 2024

Understanding The Lived Experiences Of Special Education Teachers Tasked With Ensuring Parental Involvement In Special Education Processes, Dharmisha Tailor Narayanan

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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004) mandates parental participation in special education processes, yet families, especially culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) families, often face obstacles in their active involvement as an equal team member in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. Although there has been research on identifying the barriers families face in their active involvement in their child’s special education programming, little has been done to understand the impediments teachers face in alleviating this problem and adequately enforcing parents’ rights within special education processes. This qualitative phenomenological study investigated the lived experiences of special education teachers responsible for implementing …


The Benefits Of Trauma Informed Teaching Strategies And Interventions For Students, Ryan J. Abrahamson Jan 2024

The Benefits Of Trauma Informed Teaching Strategies And Interventions For Students, Ryan J. Abrahamson

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Over the years, schools have faced an uphill battle when discussing trauma in students. As the research continues to improve and the more it is studied, more schools are able to talk about it and learn about it. This can become a big weight on the shoulders of the teachers because students do spend the majority of their day at school during the school year. Not only are the general education students experiencing trauma but also students with disabilities are also experiencing it.. This can lead to a higher risk for the students with disabilities to experience mental health issues …


Effects Of Non-Educational Technology On Adolescents' Well-Being And School Performance, Daniel J. Moe Jan 2024

Effects Of Non-Educational Technology On Adolescents' Well-Being And School Performance, Daniel J. Moe

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Non-educational technology is sweeping across the globe. Modern society has welcomed technologies like social media and video games with open arms, although there is a small group of people who are highly against any use of electronic technology. What would be the best outcome for humanity? To rely on our modern devices or to keep the technology at bay? Research has shown support for both arguments. There are legitimate reasons why humans should interact with technology like improvement of brain functioning and heightened decision making (Reynaldo et al., 2021). However, an excessive amount of time on digital technology can cause …