Digital Commons Network^™

Adapting To Change: A Mixed Methods Approach To Understand How Colleges And Universities Are Utilizing Animals To Help Students Transition Into Higher Education, Christopher Puglisi, Shalini Mathew, Nicole D. Schutter, Monte Meyerink, Abiah George

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

Individuals experience several changes in their lives, with one of the most impactful being leaving home to attend college. It is no surprise that college-age students need mental health support, especially in times of adjustment. To address this adjustment, animal-assisted interventions (AAI) have recently gained substantial attention. In this study, college and university departments that help students transition to higher education were surveyed (N = 59) and interviewed (N = 6) to understand how AAI are utilized. Results indicate that AAI have potential to ease students’ higher education transition, though institutions must establish an outline that states the benefits of …

Unlocking Effective Evaluations: Lessons From Media Literacy And Digital Skills Intervention Studies In Estonia, Finland, And Poland, Natalia Edisherashvili, Marit Puusepp, Veronika Kalmus, Margus Pedaste, Sini Tiihonen, Fatemeh Irani, Łukasz Tomczyk, Leen D'Haenens, Tania Azadi, Chao Wang

Journal of Media Literacy Education Pre-Prints

This study examines factors that enable and hinder the evaluation of Media Literacy (ML) and Digital Skills (DS) interventions across three countries and four contexts: in-service teachers in Estonia, elderly populations in Jyväskylä (Finland), vocational students in Helsinki (Finland), and pre-service teachers in Poland. Guided by the Logic Model framework, it explores barriers and enablers across Inputs, Activities, Outputs, and Outcomes to reveal structural and contextual elements shaping evaluation effectiveness. Findings cluster into four domains: organisational and administrative factors, intervention design, evaluation processes, and participant engagement. Organisational challenges such as staff turnover disrupted alignment between intervention and evaluation goals, while …

‘I’Ve Always Been On Call For My Sister’: An Exploration Of The Impact Of Having A Sibling With A Life Limiting Condition On The Experience Of Education, Emily Joanne Pinn

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

There are currently approximately 99,000 babies, children and young people living with life-limiting conditions (LLCs) in the UK alone (Together for Short Lives, 2025b). Many of these young people will have siblings who are navigating the opportunities and challenges of having a sibling with an LLC. Despite this, there is a stark lack of research investigating the impact of being one of these siblings. As a result, this combined autoethnographic and qualitative enquiry will aim to provide an insight into how young people’s experiences of being a young carer to a sibling with an LLC impacted different elements of their …

Visualizing Borneo Biodiversity And Dayak Cultural Heritage Through Contemporary Innovative Batik Motifs, Kristanti Kristanti

Bahasa dan Seni: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Pengajarannya

Borneo combines exceptional biological diversity with cultural traditions that shape regional identity. This study aims to develop contemporary batik motifs based on selected biological references associated with Borneo and one Dayak cultural reference while documenting the visual transformation process as research knowledge. A practice-based research approach was employed through exploration, design development, realization, expert validation, and revision. The initial exploration included the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus), rhinoceros hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros), black orchid (Coelogyne pandurata), ironwood (Eusideroxylon zwageri), and pitcher plants (Nepenthes spp.), while the Dayak …

Hands-On Ransomware: An Experiential Wannacry Case Study For Undergraduate Cybersecurity Education, Eli Creek Richmond, Thomas R. Devine

Military Cyber Affairs

Ransomware represents one of the most disruptive threats in the cyber landscape, yet hands-on malware analysis remains rare in undergraduate cybersecurity curricula. This paper presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of an experiential learning module centered on the WannaCry ransomware case study, deployed in a senior-level course at West Virginia University. Students performed static and dynamic analysis using industry-standard tools. Pre- and post-module assessments demonstrated measurable gains in self-reported competency across seven technical dimensions. The module's competencies align directly with DoD Cyber Workforce Framework Work Role 212, Cyber Defense Forensics Analyst, supporting education-to-workforce pipeline development.

Class(Room) Culture: New Conceptualization And A Model Of Culture-Aware Teaching, Ravit Heskiau

International Journal of Transformative Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

As higher education becomes increasingly personalized and students’ individual identities are increasingly considered, this article explores the concept of classroom culture as part of assessing, embracing, and shaping each class’s shared characteristics as a collective. I define classroom culture and explain why it is paramount for educators to understand the unique cultures of their classes and actively assess them, striking a balance between supporting classroom culture and shaping it. Following a critical literature review, I demonstrate the application of commonly used cultural frameworks from the organizational culture literature to higher education classes. Specifically, I expand on how they can help …

Supporting Multilingual Learners Through Culturally Responsive Practices, Betsy Twedell

Graduate Teacher Education

This literature review examined how educational leaders can implement culturally responsive practices to support multilingual learners, improve academic achievement, encourage a sense of belonging, and advance equitable educational outcomes. A total of sixteen qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies were reviewed, along with two conceptual studies that provided additional guidance. Three recurring themes emerged: culturally and linguistically responsive practices, professional development, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS). The research suggested that multilingual learners were best supported when educators viewed students’ languages, cultures, identities, and lived experiences as academic assets and integrated these resources into instruction. Findings also showed that professional development …

2026 - Faculty & Staff Research Symposium, Elizabeth Outka, Lidia Radi

Faculty and Staff Research Symposium Programs

[Excerpt from the "Welcome"]

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to the third Faculty & Staff Research Symposium!

The Symposium offers us the chance to come together as a community and learn about the inspiring work happening across our campus. Faculty and staff continue to push the boundaries of research, to design and maintain new learning and gathering spaces, to craft remarkable art and performances, and to develop innovative programs that enrich our collective experience. The event is meant to spark curiosity, build connections, inspire partnerships, and open new pathways for exploration. . . .

This symposium is your creation — it thrives …

2026 September 17 - From My Notepads Newsletter, Office Of The President, East Tennessee State University, Brian Noland

From My Notepads: A Newsletter from President Brian Noland

No abstract provided.

Bursting The Gifted Bubble: A Phenomenological Study Examining The Transition From Gifted Programs To Heterogeneous Middle School Classrooms, Bethany Caitlyn Gallimore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of Central Virginia middle school teachers as they accommodate gifted students within heterogeneous classrooms. The theory guiding this study was the transition theory, as it explores how individuals adapt to significant life changes and how those changes influence their overall development. The Central Research Question was “How do Central Virginia middle school teachers describe their experiences accommodating gifted students in heterogeneous classrooms?” This phenomenological study included public middle schools in Central Virginia as the sample; the setting was public middle schools in Central Virginia. The data collection …

The Lived Experiences Of Elementary Teachers Implementing A State-Mandated Science Of Reading Curriculum: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study, Makenzie Cheyanne Parkison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of elementary public-school teachers as they implemented the state-mandated Science of Reading in a Midwestern state. The theory guiding this study was Alfred Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy, as it related to how teachers’ beliefs in their ability to implement the mandated curriculum changed in response to licensure changes related to professional development. The central research question was: How do teachers implementing the science of reading curriculum experience the new curriculum changes from the state within their own classroom? The hermeneutic methodology employed three data collection strategies: individual interviews, …

A Quantitative, Causal-Comparative Study Of Black And White First-Year, First-Generation Students’ Adaptation To College, Shaunell Carter Mcgee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this non-experimental, quantitative, causal-comparative study was to determine to what extent adaptation to college differs between Black and White first-year first-generation college students. The significance of this study lies in addressing limited literature examining the differences between Black and White first-year, first-generation students’ adaptation to college and offering insights that could be used as a basis to inform strategies for ensuring successful transition to and retention of these students in higher education. The sample included 149 participants aged 18-25 enrolled in an undergraduate four-year degree program at University A, located in South Georgia in the United States. …

The Title Of The Dissertation: How African American Males Overcame Challenges To Persist At A Predominantly White Institution In The South: A Phenomenological Study, Kattie Jones-Gore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of African American males who graduate from a predominantly White institution (PWI) in the South. The theory guiding the study is Vincent Tinto’s dropout theory. The dropout theory suggests students will persist in graduation if they are academically and socially integrated in the college environment. The central research question in the study was: What were the lived experiences of African American males who persisted to graduation from a predominantly White institution in the South? Purposeful snowball sampling was utilized to obtain 10 African American male participants who …

A Phenomenological Study Exploring How Leaders At Acsi-Accredited Christian Schools In North And South Carolina Implement And Integrate A Biblical Worldview, Terry A. Richards Ii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study explored how leaders at ACSI-accredited Christian schools in North and South Carolina experienced integrating a biblical worldview. The study examined the strategies leaders considered effective, the challenges they encountered, and the approaches they used to foster collaboration among school leaders, faculty, and families. Using in-depth interviews to explore and illuminate the experiences of nine Christian school leaders, this study analyzed participants’ accounts to identify recurring themes. The findings indicated that participants understood biblical worldview integration as an intentional, schoolwide process rather than isolated religious tasks assigned to key activities, Bible classes, or chapel services. Participants also …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Female College Athletes: A Phenomenological Study On Power Dynamics, Title Ix Noncompliance, And The Need For Policy Reform, Keri A. Miles

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand experiences with power dynamics and Title IX noncompliance for female college athletes at public and private colleges and universities across the United States. At this stage in the research, lived experiences about power dynamics were generally defined as the lived experiences of female college athletes as they navigated the power structures, Title IX noncompliance, and policies within their athletic programs. The theory guiding this study was Critical Policy Analysis as it emphasized the social context in which policies are created by considering Title IX’s implications on women in college sports. The …

Exploring The Influence Of Personalized E-Learning Tools On Critical Thinking And Literacy In Secondary English Classrooms Through Instructor Perspectives: A Holistic Case Study, Lanishia R. Berry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this holistic case study was to explore how secondary English Language Arts teachers integrated personalized e-learning tools to support reading comprehension and critical thinking in secondary English Language Arts classrooms. The theory guiding this study was Vygotsky's sociocultural development theory because it supports the idea that learning and cognitive development occur through interaction and collaboration, aligning with how personalized e-learning tools are used to engage students in meaningful literacy experiences. The central research question guiding this study is: How do secondary English teachers perceive the use of personalized e-learning tools in their instruction to support reading comprehension …

A Phenomenological Study On Childcare Teachers’ Experience Teaching Children With Developmental Delays And Disabilities, Joan Morris Fraser

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of childcare center teachers who taught students with developmental delays and disabilities (DDDs) in three childcare centers located in New York State. Grounded in Vygotsky’s social constructivist theory, the study explored how teachers foster inclusive classroom environments that support children’s learning through social interaction and cultural context. The central research question asked: What are the shared experiences of childcare teachers who taught students with DDDs in New York State? Twelve teachers from three inner-city childcare centers serving children ages two through five participated in the study. Data …

Fostering Meaningful Relationships In Middle School Music Ensembles And The Impact On Student Retention, Michael Andrew Murphy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although participation in music ensembles varies from school to school in the United States, many directors struggle to retain, let alone grow, the number of members that comprise their performance ensembles. This is often the result of scheduling, time constraints, financial obligations, and understanding the needs of student engagement. The purpose of this qualitative, ethnological study is to explore the impact of fostering meaningful relationships in middle school music ensembles and what role those relationships play in the retention of students. This study also investigates how students and teachers determine the meaningfulness of their relationships, the importance of those relationships …

“We’Ve Always Done It That Way”: A Qualitative Multiple Case Study Of Rural Texas School District Stakeholders’ Understanding Of Instructional Change, Lindy S. Welborn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative multiple-case study was to explore how stakeholders in rural Texas public school districts experienced and interpreted organizational systems and leadership processes related to instructional change. The theory that guided this study was transformational leadership theory, which provided a framework for understanding how leaders inspired and empowered others to achieve higher levels of performance in pursuit of collective goals. The central research question that guided this study was: How do stakeholders in rural Texas public school districts experience and interpret organizational systems and leadership processes associated with instructional change initiatives that challenge longstanding traditional practices within …

Music Educators’ Perceptions And Implementation Of Multiculturalism In The Classroom, Kennedy Mae Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the study is to determine teachers' perceptions of multicultural education and its potential benefits in Sumter County. The purpose of this research is to understand the perspectives and approaches to preparing for the implementation of multiculturalism among public school music programs in Sumter, South Carolina. The rationale for this research is that there is a gap in the literature on multicultural implementation in music education in South Carolina. With proper technological implementation, multiculturalism could help prepare music educators to teach a culturally diverse group of students. As a result of the study, the researcher aims to gain …

The Role Of Leaders In Promoting Life Skills Development Among Youth Through Faith-Based Nonprofit After-School Programs: A Qualitative Study, Jacquelyne S. Snyder

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative embedded multiple-case study was to explore how leaders at a faith-based nonprofit community center cultivated after-school programs that supported the development of youth life skills. The theory guiding this study was Burns’ transformational leadership theory, which explains the behaviors youth leaders fostered to create a supportive learning environment in after-school programs. The central research question explored how transformational leadership practices influenced the development of youth life skills in a faith-based nonprofit community center. The case study design enabled the researcher to explore how life skills developed naturally within the community center setting. The sample of …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Men Who Voluntarily Remain Childless, Sylvia Joan Muglia

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe men’s experiences choosing to remain childless in Southeast (Detroit) Michigan. The theory guiding this study was Blackstone’s Theoretical Framework on Voluntary Childlessness. Rich, descriptive data were collected using a short demographic questionnaire and twelve semi-structured interviews that answered three research questions guiding this study: (1) How do men in Southeast (Detroit) Michigan describe experiences choosing to remain childless? (2) How do men in Southeast (Detroit) Michigan recount any impact from adverse childhood experiences which contribute to their decision to remain childless? (3) How do men in Southeast (Detroit) Michigan explain the …

The Effects Of Elementary Music Scheduling And Vertical Alignment On First-Year Middle School Ensemble Readiness: A Study Of Music Teacher Perceptions, James Mock

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Students entering middle school encounter many changes in how music is taught and organized. During this transition, music students are introduced to a greater emphasis on ensemble performance. These students enter middle school with diverse backgrounds in musical training and knowledge. Additional factors affecting students’ musical development include funding, socioeconomic background, and demographics. Elementary music scheduling and program vertical alignment may also influence students’ preparedness as they enter middle school. To become highly successful in music ensemble performance, students must have appropriate prior musical training before entering middle school.

This qualitative study will examine how elementary music schedules and vertical …

Mandated Reporting Experiences And Professional Quality Of Life Among Missouri K-12 Mandated Reporters, Kristina L. Gregory

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Child maltreatment is associated with significant developmental, psychological, and behavioral consequences for children. Educators often serve as frontline identifiers of suspected abuse and neglect and are legally required to report concerns to the state’s child welfare agency. The purpose of this quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational study was to examine relationships among mandated reporting exposure, perceived reporting ambiguity, trust in Missouri’s Children’s Division, and professional quality of life among Missouri K–12 school-based mandated reporters. Professional quality of life was measured through compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. This study brings these factors together to better understand how educators’ reporting experiences and …

Wayang 3d Interactive E-Book: Development And Classroom Evaluation For Javanese Traditional Drama Learning, I’In Dwi Susanti, Afendy Widayat

Bahasa dan Seni: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Pengajarannya

Javanese traditional drama (wayang) is a key element of Indonesia's cultural heritage, yet classroom instruction remains largely text-based and low in engagement. This study developed and evaluated Wayang 3D, a cloud-based interactive e-book integrating Canva, Heyzine, and H5P to support traditional-drama learning. Using the ADDIE model, the product was validated by content and media experts and tested through a quasi-experimental nonequivalent pretest–posttest control-group design with 62 ninth-grade students. Content validity was Feasible (79.5%) and media validity Very Feasible (83.0%); teacher and student practicality ratings were also Very Feasible (85.01%). The experimental group achieved a significantly higher normalised learning gain than …

2026-09-17 Pac-26 Revised Draft, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

Revised draft of PAC-26 submitted to the Faculty Senate on September 17, 2026.

2026-09-17 Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

Faculty Senate meeting minutes from September 17, 2026.

Belonging, Spirituality, And Online Student Satisfaction: A Quantitative Study, Kimberly Diana Ramona King

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The growth of online education has transformed higher education by increasing flexibility and accessibility while introducing challenges related to belonging, engagement, and student satisfaction. Research demonstrates that students’ sense of belonging, a fundamental human need for connection and inclusion, is critical to engagement and persistence. Grounded in the community of inquiry (CoI) framework and social presence theory (SPT), this quantitative, cross-sectional correlational study examined the relationship between belonging (X) and student satisfaction in online learning (Y), with spirituality (M₁) as a mediating variable. The study used a convenience sample of 155 graduate students and alumni (age 21 or older) who …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Exploring The Perceptions Of Secondary Students Receiving Special Education Services In A Rural Area On Social-Emotional Learning, Natasha Lynette Simpkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand and describe the lived experiences of social-emotional learning for secondary students who received special education services at a rural high school in Southwest Virginia. The theory that guided this study was Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological/ecological theory of human development, as it provided information needed to understand this group of students by examining how they perceived social-emotional learning instruction and how it impacted their development. The research design was a transcendental phenomenological study. The study’s central research question was, “What are the lived experiences of rural secondary special education students regarding social-emotional learning?” …

Experiences Of Mozambican Women Before, During, And After Divorce: A Phenomenology, Emídio Mário Dimande

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to understand the transitional experiences of women in Mozambique from marital conflict through post-divorce life. It was guided by Schlossberg's Transition Theory (STT). The theory supported exploration of the psychological, social, and cultural dimensions of women’s lived experiences of divorce and patterns surfaced that deepened understanding of their realities. Using an interpretive phenomenological design, data were collected from 15 women, aged 19 and older, residing in Mozambique, who had experienced marriage and divorce, through a demographic questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using the Moustakas’ phenomenological approach, including horizonalization and clustering verified …