Educational Technology Commons^™

Full Issue: Journal On Empowering Teaching Excellence, Volume 8, Issue 2, Fall 2024

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

The full-length Spring 2024 issue (Volume 8, Issue 1) of the Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Access the online Pressbooks version (with downloadable EPUB format) here.

The Fall 2024 issue presents practical ideas and prompts for those who teach at colleges and universities in a variety of disciplines. Articles ways to use popular culture (in this case, reality TV) to teach higher-level concepts; strategies for adapting Lesson Study techniques for preservice teachers; and a review of McNair et al.'s 2022 book on creating student ready colleges.

The Four Domains Model Of Artificial Intelligence In Surgical Education: Adapting Applications To Trainee Level, Anant R. Tewari, Jasraj Raghuwanshi, Lawal A. Labaran, Xudong Li

Journal of Innovation in Health Sciences Education

Since the inception of modern medicine, surgical trainees have benefitted from coaching and feedback from senior surgeons. In the high-demand operating room environment, granular feedback is often limited by time constraints. Artificial intelligence (AI) represents a novel frontier in surgical education in that it may be able to provide reliable, objective, and comprehensive feedback in an automated manner. While prior studies have given broad overviews of AI in surgical training, there has been no study to our knowledge that has codified the myriad applications and offered guidance for which applications best suit trainees at various levels of surgical education. We …

Leveraging Gamification And Social Media To Teach Heart Failure Clinical Practice Guidelines In Entry-Level Physical Therapist Education, Kaelee Brockway

Journal of Innovation in Health Sciences Education

Introduction: Clinical practice guideline adherence remains a challenge in health care, with reported rates as low as 26%. Research shows multiple barriers to adherence, including limited access and guideline complexity. Integrating guidelines into education is crucial, demanding innovative methods to enhance translation into practice.

Methods: This multiple methods study explored application of the substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition model to integrate social media and gamification activities to engage students in learning action statements of a clinical practice guideline for the management of heart failure. Performance on exam items relevant to the guideline content were used to determine if this …

Faculty Experiences Using Synchronous Videoconference Technology To Assess Student Psychomotor Performance, Heather Disney, Debra Crawfordbpiecka Tyrrell, David Perry

Journal of Innovation in Health Sciences Education

Introduction: Psychomotor skills are an essential aspect of physical therapy (PT) education. Recent studies supported using videoconference technology (VCT) for psychomotor instruction, but research on the use of VCT for psychomotor assessments is limited. Determining the usefulness of VCT for psychomotor exams is vital to establishing best pedagogical practices. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the faculty experience using synchronous VCT to assess PT students’ psychomotor skills.

Methods: The conceptual framework for this study was the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). The research question guided the investigation into how PT educators …

Leveling Up: Students' Perceptions Of Digital Game-Based Learning, Maryan Al-Houssein

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This case study investigated middle school students’ perceptions of digital game-based learning (DGBL) in the classroom, focusing on engagement, motivation, and academic achievement. Using Piaget’s (1962) Constructivist Learning Theory as a framework, the research examined the influence of interactive digital games on students’ educational experiences. A qualitative study was utilized, using Likert scale surveys and open-ended questions to gather rich, descriptive data from students across grades 6-8. The findings revealed three primary themes: (1) Engagement and Interest, with students reporting increased enjoyment and interactivity in learning; (2) Motivation and Focus, indicating that competitive elements and rewards in games encourage student …

The Implementation Of Artificial Intelligence In University Classrooms: Perspective And Applications, Erika Grodzki, Gary Carlin, Stefanie Powers, Hung Chum Kao

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

This study examined the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in university classrooms, focusing on its benefits, challenges, and the diverse perspectives of academic faculty. While AI was widely embraced in disciplines like animation and design for enhancing creativity and efficiency, traditional fields remained cautious due to concerns about academic integrity and its impact on critical thinking. By analyzing literature and case studies, the presentation highlighted AI’s transformative potential in higher education, fostering dialogue on its strategic adoption to balance innovation with ethical and pedagogical considerations.

Automated Text Scoring In The Age Of Generative Ai For The Gpu-Poor, Chris M. Ormerod, Alexander Kwako

Chinese/English Journal of Educational Measurement and Evaluation | 教育测量与评估双语期刊

Abstract Current research on generative language models (GLMs) for automated text scoring (ATS) has focused almost exclusively on querying proprietary models via Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Yet such practices raise issues around transparency and security, and these methods offer little in the way of efficiency or customizability. With the recent proliferation of smaller, open-source models, there is the option to explore GLMs with computers equipped with modest, consumer-grade hardware—that is, for the “GPU poor.” In this study, we analyze the performance and efficiency of open-source, small-scale GLMs for ATS. Results show that GLMs can be fine-tuned to achieve adequate, though …

Using Geogebra To Foster Imagination And Creativity To Build Mathematics Confidence In A Stem World, Joseph M. Furner

Transformations

Math teachers can better prepare all student for a STEM world using computer software like GeoGebra to better prepare our youth for such high-tech careers like that of which Einstein was part of while also emphasizing and fostering creativity in the learning of mathematics. It is critical we have young learners who are confident in their ability to do math and be creative. Teachers today need to check dispositions toward mathematics and address math anxiety while building math confidence in their students. In an ever-advancing world of technology, math teachers need to incorporate such emerging technologies like GeoGebra into the …

On Education In A Digital Age, Colby Dickinson

Jesuit Higher Education: A Journal

Research and its dependency upon authority has mostly produced in the modern age a simulacrum for what a true education should entail: an infinite passion for an infinite knowledge that can only really be approached with a desire that resembles something like love. We have to want to learn, to love to learn, to want to dig through the information before us, because we are passionately committed to knowing something in particular, always in an ever-greater particularity, even when we just need to get the general gist of something specific. Where desire ends as a result of touching imposed limits, …

Middle School Mathematics Teachers’ Use Of Diverse Mathematics Educational Technology Tools: Ixl, I-Ready, And/Or Mathia, Dr. Crystal Derika-Mae Matthews

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed through this study is the inconsistent use of mathematics educational technology tools in middle school mathematics courses in the United States. The problem was important to address because inconsistent use of mathematics educational technology tools may impact student performance. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore middle school mathematics teachers’ use of mathematics educational technology tools (i.e., IXL, i-Ready, and/or MATHia), the challenges they face, and their recommendations for other teachers. The constructivism concerns-based adoption model served as the conceptual framework. The three research questions were developed to investigate the purpose. Using purposive sampling, …

The Impact Of Student Engagement Activities On Future Climate Change Adaptation: The Case Of Student Simulation Models, Bassel Mostafa Elkalaf

Future Journal of Social Science

This paper explores the critical role of student engagement in addressing the growing challenges of climate change, with a focus on the Model United Nations (MUN) as a case study. As climate-related security threats increase globally, educational platforms that prepare youth for effective leadership in climate politics are more essential than ever. MUN, a widely practiced student activity simulating global policy-making, provides a valuable opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the interconnectedness between climate change, peace, and security. By participating in MUN simulations, students engage in debates, develop innovative solutions, and practice diplomatic skills, all while exploring the …

Barriers To Effectively Integrating Technology Into The Classroom, Laura Beth Mccarty

Dissertations

This study examined barriers to integrating 1:1 technology into the post-Covid classroom, with an emphasis on determining whether student misuse of technology was a new barrier seen in schools across the United States of America. An online survey instrument was developed to examine existing barriers as well as student misuse of technology as a new barrier. Exploratory factor analysis was used to examine the relationships between these variables, and descriptive statistics were examined to determine which variables were barriers to the effective integration of technology into the classroom. When examining existing barriers, lack of technology training and support remained a …

Toward An Insider Threat Education Platform: A Theoretical Literature Review, Haywood Gelman, John D. Hastings, David Kenley, Eleanor Loiacono

Research & Publications

Insider threats (InTs) within organizations are small in number but have a disproportionate ability to damage systems, information, and infrastructure. Existing InT research studies the problem from psychological, technical, and educational perspectives. Proposed theories include research on psychological indicators, machine learning, user behavioral log analysis, and educational methods to teach employees recognition and mitigation techniques. Because InTs are a human problem, training methods that address InT detection from a behavioral perspective are critical. While numerous technological and psychological theories exist on detection, prevention, and mitigation, few training methods prioritize psychological indicators. This literature review studied peer-reviewed, InT research organized by …

Behind The Screen: Exploring Parental Roles In K-12 Online Education, Barbara T. Sandberg, Charles R. Graham, Jered Borup, Richard E. West, Rocio Quiroga Velasquez

Faculty Publications

Independent engagement can be challenging for K-12 online students. Parents’ physical presence makes them an important source of engagement support. Previous research on parental support in online courses is limited and focused on asynchronous learning within a single program. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, online enrollments have grown and instructional modalities have evolved. To better understand parental support post-Covid, we interviewed 21 parents across eight online programs with asynchronous, synchronous, and bichronous course offerings. Parents identified their affective, behavioral, cognitive, and other support roles. Implications for parental roles in addressing the academic engagement gap are provided to both researchers and practitioners.

Understanding How Social Media Influences Student Engagement Within The Classroom: Middle Grades Students' Perspectives., Anthony Dawyne Myrks-Brewer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigated the concept of student engagement and participation through the lens of middle school students. Studies and research show that overall student engagement amongst middle school-aged students is the most unengaged period throughout students' K-12 educational journey. Today's students live in a completely different generation from their guardians and parents due to the technology component, including smartphones making the element of social media more accessible. Social media is a platform that helps people communicate through various applications, and middle school students engage and participate in various social media applications daily. Student engagement is a critical component within education …

Artificial Intelligence As A Policy Response To Teaching And Learning Issues In Education In Ghana, Joshua Osondu, Emmanuel Jean Francois, Jesse Strycker

Journal of Global Education and Research

This paper offers a literature synthesis on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) as a strategic policy instrument in tackling the challenges of Teaching and Learning (TL) within the Ghanaian educational context. By examining the current state and prospects of AI in education (AIEd), specifically in Ghana, this study highlights how AI can address unique educational challenges faced by Ghanaian students and educators. It adopts the dual instructor (AI and Human) model as a conceptual lens to examine how AI can revolutionize TL methodologies, thereby equipping learners for an AI-centric future. Our findings suggest that AI holds considerable promise for …

Use Of Assistive Technology By Teachers Of Students With Visual Impairments: A Descriptive Analysis, Paul M. Ajuwon, Ximena Uribe-Zarain, Phoebe Okungu, Nora Griffin-Shirley, The Nguyen

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

In schools, technology is used as a tool to enhance the knowledge and skills of learners with disabilities. The three primary challenges for students with visual impairments are access to information, independent travel, and a lack of meaningful experiences. Assistive Technology (AT) can mitigate these deficits. This study aims to determine the use of AT in schools. An online survey was distributed to schools in Canada, the United States, and adjoining territories; 347 teachers of students with visual impairments (TSVIs) responded to the survey. The results explored the use of Refreshable Braille devices, Braille embossers, Braille Translation Software, Speech Access …

Elevating The Online Learners’ Experience By Cultivating Social Presence In The Online Learning Environment, Lori Doyle, Tanya M. Tarbutton

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

The online learning environment does not inherently offer opportunities for learners to experience the benefits of enhanced social presence. The lack of social presence can negatively impact students, the primary group of stakeholders that influence institutional success. On the contrary, research on the Community of Inquiry model, specific to social presence, has been shown to pay positive dividends. There has been an increase in online course offerings; therefore, an intentional push toward elevating the online learning experience is worthy of consideration. Virtual learning environments, if not deliberately cultivated, may be void of authentic relationships and opportunities to connect. In the …

Ethical Intelligence: Responsible Ai Integration In Challenge-Based Learning, Seden Dogan

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

The paper explores the ethical integration of AI in Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) within higher education. CBL fosters critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world problem-solving. AI enhances CBL by providing personalized learning, adaptive problem-solving, and real-time feedback. However, ethical concerns—such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, faculty roles, and governance—must be addressed. The paper proposes a framework for responsible AI integration, emphasizing inclusive access, data ethics, human-AI collaboration, governance, interdisciplinary co-design, iterative ethics, and digital literacy. AI can augment learning, improve scalability, and enhance faculty roles, but risks like inequity, over-reliance, and weak accountability must be mitigated. The framework ensures AI aligns …

Bridging The Digital Divide In Developing And Developed Countries: A Meta-Analysis, Jessie King, Eric Gotte

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

Global school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a universal shift towards technology-augmented education. This transference of learning platforms revealed both the potential and the challenges of implementing digital tools for learning worldwide. This meta-analysis examines the digital divide between developed and developing countries and how this divide disrupts the learning for students with disabilities, those living in poverty and extreme poverty as well as for those who live in remote areas. It concentrates on how technology has been used to surmount educational disparities, predominantly within the marginalized groups of students with disabilities, individuals in poverty, and those living in …