Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring The Pedagogical Impact Of Software Development Live Streams: Informal Learning Opportunities For Software And Game Developers, Ella Kokinda

All Dissertations

Live streaming is an increasingly popular medium for throwing back the curtain on software development where streamers and viewers share their knowledge and experiences. Popular platforms like Twitch and YouTube enable developers to stream live coding sessions where people around the world can engage in real-time collaboration, feedback, knowledge sharing, and skill development. This work investigates the pedagogical implications and learning opportunities present in software and game development live streaming while focusing on the role of streaming as a learning environment and collaborative community. We begin by exploring summer camps as an informal learning opportunity for STEM education, highlighting the …

Profilicity And Self-Identity: Finding One’S Authentic Self Within A Social Media-Filtered World, Stacey Renee Meads

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological qualitative case study explored how young Christian adults construct their identities when influenced by external factors such as social media using the theoretical framework of profilicity. The study took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The location was a church setting, the mainstay of the youth adult group activities, and the site was approved to conduct the case study. The participant group was the young adult group. The church is the mainstay for all the participants. Designated rooms were identified to permit anonymity and confidentiality. No other meetings or church activities were scheduled during the allotted times for this case …

Evaluating The Influence Of Self-Determination In Secondary Writing Instruction On Post-Secondary Academic Success, Mary A. Peach Partridge

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to discover what components of secondary education writing instruction develop adequate self-determination for post-secondary academic writing success for first year university students at Central midwestern metropolitan area universities. The theory guiding this study was Ryan and Deci’s Self-Determination Theory as it connects the idea of developing adequate relatedness, competence, and autonomy with successful development of critical thinking and social cognitive skills for success beyond secondary education. The Central Research Question asked, “what methods of secondary writing instruction adequately develop self-determination for first year university students in the Central midwestern metropolitan area to enable …

Researching Research Leaders: A Qualitative, Phenomenological, Transcendental Study Of University Institutional Official Relations With Stakeholders Using The Competing Values Framework, Sara Grano

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological, transcendental exploratory study was to understand institutional officials’ (IO) lived relational leadership experiences with internal and external stakeholders with competing values in U.S. research universities. The competing values framework guided the study to investigate IOs’ lived experiences when relating to diverse stakeholders in research universities. The central research question asked was what are the experiences of IOs in research universities when practicing relational leadership with diverse stakeholders with competing values? Ten participants were recruited for this qualitative study using the purposeful sampling and then snowball method of recruiting. The elite participants had experience serving …

Leadership, Identity, And Student Voice In Secondary Schools, Gordon S. Geddes

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Many student leadership programs in U.S. high schools operate without clear guidance, often leaving students as passive participants in systems that may not effectively prepare them for leadership roles both in school settings and elsewhere. This study explores how listening to students’ voices can improve leadership programs by better understanding how young people see themselves as leaders. Using a case study approach at one school, I observed student leaders over one school year and analyzed their experiences through leadership development theories. The findings suggest that when schools take students' perspectives into account, they can create leadership programs that are more …

Former Foster Youth And The Impact Of Providing Basic Needs On Their Experience In College, Raymond Richard Gordon

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation examines the experience of former foster youth as they enter college and attempt to earn a college degree. The Tuition Waiver Program is designed to cover the cost of college beyond any financial aid former foster students receive from the university they are attending. Over 3,000 former foster college students across Texas use the Tuition Waiver Program. However, less than 3% of former foster college students in Texas complete their college degrees (Watt & Faulkner, 2020). A successful college experience for former foster youth provides a firm foundation on which students can continue to grow and develop, gaining …

Component Analysis Of Interactive Computer Training To Teach Paraprofessionals To Deliver Behavioral Skills Training, Scott V. Page

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

In education and Applied Behavior Analysis, there is growing demand for well-trained entry-level individuals to deliver behavior interventions. Interactive Computer Training allows trainees to access online instruction with video demonstrations, interactive tasks, and feedback, without a live instructor. This training approach could save valuable training time and money. Prior researchers demonstrated these types of training can teach trainees to correctly use behavior interventions. There are gaps in our understanding of Interactive Computer Trainings that limit its successful use. Few studies measured cost-effectiveness, identified the effective features of Interactive Computer Training (e.g., videos, quizzes, feedback), or trained users to deliver effective …

Crises In Australian Education, The Push For Educational Technology And The Medium-Oriented Perspective Of Neil Postman, Andrew Hutcheon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

From teacher shortages to declining literacy, the Australian education system faces multiple crises. This paper turns to the work of Neil Postman, who started as a high school teacher but later turned towards communication and media studies, to provide an alternative account of parts of this crisis, especially those around the role of technology in education. In his early works, his concern is attached to the concept of education as a ‘subversive concept’ and then a ‘conserving concept’ – first aiming to create young people engaged in civic society, then aiming to preserve written culture against television. After a middle …

How To Write A Successful Research Manuscript: Back To Basics, Nayda Parisio Poldiak, Nancy Crossley

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Writing a research manuscript is a meticulous process necessary for effective communication of scientific findings. In this article, we cover the key concepts and steps involved in crafting a well-structured manuscript. Research manuscripts use a formal structure with discrete sections that facilitate data review and interpretation. The opening section is a structured abstract, which summarizes the entire manuscript in about 300 words and highlights the research problem, using the headings Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusion. The introduction provides context, states the research question and justifies its significance. The methods section details the study design, data collection, and analysis procedures. The …

High School Teachers' Perspectives On The Components Of A Quality Online Structure For Remote Learning In Digital And Media Art Classes, James E. Marone

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study was that there were inconsistencies in the research literature and a gap in practice regarding teachers' perspectives on the components of a quality online structure in a digital and media art class during the post-COVID-19 era. Despite evidence of the benefits of remote learning, there was a gap concerning implementation of improved quality online structures. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of digital and media art teachers on their needs for a quality online learning structure in the post-COVID-19 era. The conceptual framework was Davis’s technology acceptance model. …

Bridging The Gap Between Science And Technology: A Descriptive Study Identifying Factors Influencing 6-8th Grade Science Teachers’ Implementation Of Virtual Laboratory Simulations, Coral Nicole Hoesli

Theses and Dissertations

Teachers at a South Carolina middle school in the United States were not implementing virtual laboratory simulations at the same rate as other middle schools in the district. This descriptive research examined 6th-8th grade middle school science teacher perceptions and influencing factors behind the choice to implement virtual laboratory simulations. The study examined two research questions: (1) what are the personal and social factors influencing science teachers’ decisions to implement a virtual laboratory simulation, and (2) what are the structural factors influencing science teachers’ decisions to implement a virtual laboratory simulation?

The National Educational Technology Plan (NETP) and the International …

The Influence Of Instruction On Underrepresented Stem Leaders On Elementary Students’ Stem Identity And Perceptions Of Stem, Megan Elizabeth Willson

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study explored the influence of exposure to underrepresented STEM leaders on third-grade students’ STEM identity and their interest in STEM careers. Using an integrative STEM approach and guided by both Constructivist Learning Theory and Social Cognitive Career Theory, this convergent mixed methods study consisted of an eight-week intervention with lessons based on different STEM leaders and related activities each week. This eight-week period collected data through weekly researcher field notes, exit tickets and was prefaced and followed by a pre- and post-survey and pre- and post-interviews. Findings from the quantitative data, the Role Identity Survey in STEM …

Targeting The Country: Exploring The Technology Integration Practices Of World Language Teachers In Rural Georgia, Shannon Borum

Theses and Dissertations

Technology integration affords World Language teachers opportunities to engage with the target language and cultures in a way previously unknown, yet world language teachers in Georgia’s rural high schools have inconsistent integration of technology into their teaching practices. The study was guided by two research questions regarding (1) the current technology integration practices of world language teachers in rural Georgia high schools for communicative language teaching, and (2) the influences the decisions of world language teachers in rural Georgia high schools to integrate technology in their communicative language teaching. The purpose of this action research was to describe how high …

Les Outils Numériques Comme Levier De L’Éducation Et De La Démocratisation Du Patrimoine Culturel Au Maroc : Une Analyse Théorique, Houda El Bakhouchi

Dirassat

In this article, we delve into the vital importance of digital tools in education and the dissemination of cultural heritage. We draw attention to how digital technologies employed in Morocco promote widespread access to culture. Our main objective is to understand how cultural heritage education activities using these tools can make learning about our heritage more dynamic and engaging, and enable learners to actively participate in the preservation of cultural heritage. The article also highlights specific cases of successful partnerships between the cultural and educational fields, emphasizing inventive educational initiatives. It explores the realm of digital resources such as virtual …

Vers Une Pédagogie Immersive : Exploration Du Métavers En Éducation Towards Immersive Pedagogy: Exploring Metavers In Education, Adil El Madhi, Issam Laamri, Jamaleddine Khouna

Dirassat

Incorporating the framework of immersive pedagogical innovation, this article explores the growing importance of the metaverse in creating innovative and relevant learning experiences. Emerging as a crucial component of contemporary educational innovations, immersive pedagogy aims to fully engage learners in the process of acquiring knowledge and skills. Historically linked to participatory methods, such as project-based learning, this pedagogy has flourished with the advent of digital technologies, notably the metaverse. The latter, defined as a convergence of online virtual environments, offers revolutionary potential for education by transcending physical boundaries and enabling immersive and collaborative experiences. This study, focusing on the exploration …

Supporting Disruptive Behavior In The Classroom Resulting From Trauma, Spencer Johnston

Graduate Teacher Education

This paper examined past and recent research of the effects trauma has on a child’s brain, body, and behavior and how educators can support students experiencing these challenges by implementing mindfulness activities in the classroom and initiating praise. The research indicated that trauma can be the root problem of disruptive behavior in the classroom, because of a lack of self-regulation skills. The research continues by discussing how self-regulation skills can be taught through mindfulness practices, such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing. Furthermore, the research goes on to explain how praise can further reduce the amount of disruptive behavior in …

Enhancing Skin Cancer Literacy Amongst Young Adults: A Digital Design, Katherine Stoll

Honors Projects

The skin plays a vital role in protection, regulation, and homeostasis of the human body. Skin cancer, despite being mostly preventable, is one of the most common cancers. Young adults, ages 18 to 25, are vulnerable targets due to risky behaviors and misinformation regarding skin cancer. This project was designed by using digital media and website design to enhance skin cancer health literacy among young adults. Using a systematic literature review and research methods, an interactive website was designed to improve skin cancer health literacy and eliminate common misconceptions. The topics addressed throughout the website were the biological factors of …

Quantifying The Decline In Avian Biodiversity: A Global Crisis And Its Implications For Environmental Education, Canaline Osaka

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

People care about what they love—and it’s easy to love--and fall in love, with birds. The

opportunities to promote bird diversity are legion, and applicable throughout K-12 education. For example, the Eastern Bluebird needs to nest in the cavities of dead trees, a habitat drastically denuded by large scale farming—or in specialized nesting boxes. A nationwide effort to build and install these boxes has brought the population back to healthy numbers since its 1970 low point. (Once one knows what they look like, one cannot miss these roadside homes—Western Bluebirds also benefit.) Students can also engineer bird houses and deters, …

Editorial: Vol 10(1), May 2025

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

No abstract provided.

Volume Cxliv, Number 19, April 25, 2025, Lawrence University

The Lawrentian

No abstract provided.

Social Construction Of Technology In Vr Adoption For Science Education, Adipurwa Muslich

JURNAL KOMUNIKASI INDONESIA

VR has emerged as a promising tool for revolutionizing science education, offering immersive and interactive experiences that can enhance student understanding. It holds significant potential as a communication medium for explaining the complexities of science in classroom settings. Despite its potential, VR’s penetration in science education remains limited. This research explored the facets influencing VR adoption in education, focusing on science teachers' perspectives in Jakarta. Using a qualitative approach, the study investigates how the SCOT concept, grounded in communication theory, affects the adoption of VR in the educational sector. Key themes identified included the role of networking, school culture, socioeconomic …

Efficiency Versus Quality: A Reflection On Making A Children’S Book, Elizabeth Diehl

Honors Projects

When first looking at a children’s book, it appears to be a simple creative project. However, when one finds out the components that go into making one, it becomes clear that simplicity is deceiving. Research, ideation, rough drafts, and scripts are just a few of the necessary components for the finished product, and each one of these components can take multiple days or weeks to complete. This essay is a reflection on my experience of creating a picture book in one semester as I attempt to answer the questions “What if the most efficient process for creating a children's picture …

The Grizzly, April 24, 2025, Kate Horan, Renee Washart, Nathaniel Nerone, Sidney Belleroche, Erin Ewing, Hadley Whitman

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

Experimental Film Event With Jen Proctor • Golf Centennial Conference Championships • Portrayals of Identity • Yik Yak Ban and Online Conduct • Tau Sigma Gamma Talks Events, Friendships and Recruitment • A List of Unserious Reasons Why You Should Join The Grizzly • Bears' Track Roars On • Men's Lacrosse Fights Through Challenging Season

Empowering Undecided Students: Fostering Self-Authorship Through Academic Advising Practices, Erin E. Westberg

Masters Projects

More students are entering college undecided about their major, yet many academic advisors are not equipped with the proper tools to holistically support this population. Undecided students often experience self-doubt, external pressures, and difficulty identifying a major that aligns with their personal interests and goals. Without holistic support, this may delay their time to graduation or cause them to choose a path that doesn’t feel right for them. The purpose of this project is to provide academic advisors with a framework to better support undecided students through the use of self-authorship. This approach encourages students to reflect on their values, …

Cartoons From The 2000s: The Representation Of Disability And A Culture Of Inclusion, Alessia Rosa, Claudia Chellini

Journal of Media Literacy Education

Representations of diversity and otherness in cartoons offer metaphors for identity that can affect children’s perceptions and attitudes towards the potential and challenges associated with various forms of disability. This contribution analyses a corpus of animations made up of feature films, series, and short films with a focus on how disability is represented. It examines the role that characters with physical or mental disabilities play in the story, the structure of narratives in which disability is presented as an integral part of reality, and the types of disability explored in the stories. The image that emerges is one in which …

Assessing The Impact Of Media And Information Literacy On Creative Video Content Production, Reem M. Al-Zou’Bi

Journal of Media Literacy Education

This study explores the impact of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) on developing creative video production skills among undergraduate students at Al al-Bayt University, Jordan. The sample consisted of 60 students divided into an experimental group (MIL course) and a control group (Educational Foundations course). Using a quasi-experimental design, students’ video production skills were evaluated using a rubric covering nine key criteria, weighted based on expert input. Results showed that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group in creative video production, highlighting MIL’s role in enhancing these skills. Notably, both groups emphasized content integrity similarly, while the MIL group …

2025 Otterbein University Honors Convocation Program, Otterbein University

Honors Convocation

No abstract provided.

Youth Fiction And Trans Representation, D. Perez-Sornia, Emmanuel Te

International Journal of Human Rights Education

Tom Sandercock begins Youth Fiction and Trans Representation asserting that this is the first book to catalog and trace transgender and gender variant representation across various forms of media (Sandercock, p. i). Sandercock presents a compelling collection of transgender representation case studies, with an intended audience of transgender studies scholars, LGBTQ+ and allied educators seeking to add meaningful gender-explorative literature to their curriculum, and transgender people interested in a gender retrospective view of their childhood or adolescent media. Examining not only mere representation of young transgender and gender variant people, Sandercock explores the intersections of gender and various vertices of …

Fierce Love And Resistance: Lgbtqia2s+ Youth Thriving In The In-Between Spaces, Linsay Demartino, S. Gavin Weiser

International Journal of Human Rights Education

This article presents the preliminary ruminations of an ongoing project to build critical inclusion for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual, two-spirit, and the countless affirmative ways in which people choose to self-identify (LGBTQIA2S+) youth. This article begins with a brief review of the current data on the LGBTQIA2S+ experience in preK-12 schools and pivots to the literature on hopeful practices, like gender and sexuality alliances (GSAs) and critical inclusivity, or the policies and processes that fully integrate the intersectional queer experience. This work is framed by the criticality of queering space by creating a nepantla, an …

Organismal Classification And The Phylogenetic Tree: Improving Its Teaching Using Decision-Based Learning, Melissa Cavan

Theses and Dissertations

For a lot of students, learning biology is like learning a new language. There are new terms and concepts that a lot of new students have never heard of. Evolution is the cornerstone for understanding biology, yet it is one of the more misunderstood topics. In combination with learning new terms and concepts some students come in with preconceived ideas about evolution or misunderstandings about how evolution and the phylogenetic tree work. The research indicates instructors attempting active learning techniques to increase understanding of the phylogenetic tree with mixed results, where there appears to be some improvement but nothing significant. …