Digital Commons Network^™

Training Module And Assessment Strategy For Light Microscopy Skills Training In A Research Environment, Kristopher E. Kubow, Joseph A. Harsh

Faculty Scholarship

Training in specialized techniques and instrumentation is an important component of undergraduate and graduate education. While such training can occur in formal lab courses, it also occurs as students engage in research. Although training in a research lab setting is typically informal, implementing evidence-based practices from the classroom would be beneficial, particularly for learning complex techniques and instruments, for example, light microscopy. Using advanced microscopes for research is more complicated than using teaching microscopes in a course. In addition, microscopes are easy to misuse because they will generally always produce an image even if that image is suboptimal, misleading, or …

Fact Book, Academic Year 2024, Systems Intelligence And Data Analytics, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Fact Book

The Fact Book presents important campus information in data tables and charts. Included are details regarding students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Generally, data are broken out by college, rank, level, gender, age and ethnicity for both spring and fall semesters, past to present. There are a few academic year tables that include information on tuition & fees, student credit hours by program, and degrees conferred. We wish to thank the many individuals and departments at the University for their contributions to the Fact Book.

Effects Of Active Learning In An Undergraduate Physiology Class Using Hands-On And Simulation Labs, Ainsley C. Frayer

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Increasing student engagement has shown positive effects on students and can be achieved by incorporating active learning strategies in the lab. Currently, the undergraduate human physiology lab at Missouri State University utilizes simulations to practice physiological concepts. The proposed project aims to evaluate if incorporating hands-on labs would improve student learning and/or their engagement. The hypothesis is engagement will be increased in hands-on labs, but grades will not differ significantly, based on previous literature. Three simulations were replaced with hands-on lab software to evaluate engagement and learning. Student engagement was assessed using a voluntary, anonymous survey. Exam average scores were …

A Comparison Of Service Needs For Face-To-Face To Online Programs, Ali Ardalan, Roya K. Ardalan, G. Steven Rhiel

Information Technology & Decision Sciences Faculty Publications

Higher education institutions strive to gain a competitive advantage over similar programs offered by other institutions. A criterion for comparing programs is the quality of service. The definition of quality from the customer's view is "fitness for use," which incorporates the value generated by the product. Each learner may evaluate programs differently from other learners. It is impossible to develop a unique standard for program quality that is defined by a specific set of factors and specific level for each of these factors. This study presents an extensive set of factors that may affect learners' satisfaction. Higher education administrators should …

Allison Chaffee Honors Portfolio, Allison Chaffee

Honors Capstone Portfolios

Allison Chaffee's honors portfolio captured in May 2025.

A Framework For Developing Collaborative Community Building Tools For Novice Computer Science Students, Daniel Olivares, Jakob Kubicki, Katie Imhof

Computer Science Faculty Scholarship

Students enrolled in introductory computer science courses tend towards individual work because of pedagogical practices discouraging collaboration and a focus on individual assignments. This can discourage new computer science students and may negatively affect persistence in computer science. In contrast, social learning theory research suggests a connection between student success and their level of involvement with peers, instructors, and in the greater learning community. Motivated by these contrasting conclusions, the research presented in this paper puts forth a framework based on social learning theories and teaching and learning methodologies to leverage social computing as a learning tool. This framework’s primary …

Transforming Engineering Education: Project-Based Learning And Technology Integration In A Senior-Level Mechanisms Course, Krishnanand Kaipa, Anurag Purwar, Orlando M. Ayala, Sebastian Bawab

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Engineering education faces the challenge of preparing students for a rapidly evolving, interdisciplinary field that demands a strong foundation in theoretical principles, practical skills, and the ability to solve real-world problems. This study describes a project-based learning (PBL) intervention implemented in a senior-level mechanical engineering course focused on mechanisms analysis and design. The intervention combined foundational coursework with bio-inspired design projects, where students developed walking end-effector robotic mechanisms for medical applications. Students utilized tools such as MotionGen software and SnappyXO kits to synthesize, simulate, prototype, and test their designs. Qualitative analysis of student evaluations and project reports revealed that the …

Wip-Monarch Accelerator Program To Engineering: A Reflection On The First Semester, Kristin Eden, Jeffrey W. Fergus, Stacie I. Ringleb

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

This work in progress paper examines the Monarch Accelerator Program to Engineering (MAP2E) program. The MAP2E Program was developed to assist students who desire to become engineers but may need additional assistance in math and science. and it allows students to develop their math and science skills while creating a pathway to personal or professional enriching skills. Furthermore, the MAP2E program allows students to develop their math and science skills and create parallel pathways to personal or professionally enriching skills. For instance, a student may hope to one day start their own engineering firm. A business administration pathway would allow …

Demystifying Misconceptions In Introductory Undergraduate Chemistry Education With 3d Printed Molecular Orbitals, Hiwot Endeshaw, Daniel J. O'Leary

Pomona Senior Theses

Spatial abilities are invaluable skills for the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. However, women, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and ethnic minorities are more likely to have less developed spatial abilities, which is one of the many contributing factors for the lack of diversity in STEM subjects like chemistry. Teaching spatial skills to undergraduate chemistry students may address this issue and help increase the diversity of students who go on to continue their education in the subject. 3D printing technology in higher education has exploded in recent years, presenting a unique opportunity to teach “hard to grasp” concepts …

The Impact Of Class Size On Students’ Learning Outcome And Educational Experience: A Comprehensive Examination Of Students At Msu, Mankato, Yakubu Ali

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The topic of class size and its relationship to students' learning outcomes and educational experiences has been extensively examined in the field of education. While prior research has explored associations between class size and academic performance, less is known about how class size shapes professor-student and student-peer interactions and how these interactions relate to students' perceived learning outcomes and overall educational experiences. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study conducted a comprehensive examination of undergraduate students at MSU, Mankato, combining quantitative survey responses with qualitative reflections. Findings suggest that class size is closely tied to patterns of engagement, with smaller classes …

Community Engagement Newsletter, January 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. Office Of Community Engagement.

Community Engagement Newsletter

Contents:

--- Happy New Year
--- Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement
--- Cedar Valley Young Professionals
--- Service-Learning Course Designation
--- Engaged Department Institute: Save the Date, May 27-28
--- Spring Syllabus Consideration
--- Nonprofit Explore-A-Ganza
--- Certified Nonprofit Professional Credential
--- Community Engagement Celebration Day
--- UNI Engaged Podcast

Journey Of Belonging: Investigating The Impact Of Education Abroad On Black First-Generation Students, Kayla Gill

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation

This study investigates Black first-generation students' perceived sense of belonging during and after participating in education abroad programs. The study aims to deepen the conversation on their experiences and outcomes in study abroad and higher education more broadly. Conducted in 2024 at a large Midwestern research institution, the study examines: (1) What specific factors within an education abroad experience influence a sense of belonging for Black first-generation students? and (2) How does participating in education abroad impact a Black first-generation students’ sense of belonging upon returning to their home campus?

Using semi-structured interviews with ten Black first-generation students who studied …

Analysing Nontraditional Students' Chatgpt Interaction, Engagement, Self-Efficacy And Performance: A Mixed-Methods Approach, Mohan Yang, Shiyan Jiang, Belle Li, Kristin Herman, Tian Luo, Shanan Chappell Moots, Nolan Lovett

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Generative artificial intelligence brings opportunities and unique challenges to nontraditional higher education students, stemming, in part, from the experience of the digital divide. Providing access and practice is critical to bridge this divide and equip students with needed digital competencies. This mixed-methods study investigated how nontraditional higher education students interact with ChatGPT in multiple courses and examined relationships between ChatGPT interactions, engagement, self-efficacy and performance. Data were collected from 73 undergraduate and graduate students through chat logs, course reflections and artefacts, surveys and interviews. ChatGPT interactions were analysed using four metrics: prompt number, depth of knowledge (DoK), prompt relevance and …

Career Resources And Securing Quality Work: Graduate Perspectives, Denise Jackson, Claire Lambert, Matalena Tofa, Ruth Bridgstock, Ruth Sibson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Empowering graduates to secure quality post-graduation employment is a key goal for higher education institutions and their students. University support in developing career resources may aid transition to work by enhancing social support and networks, fostering a strong sense of professional self, promoting career self-management, and instilling career confidence. Yet there lacks empirical understanding of these resources and the role they play, including how they interrelate, how they vary by personal characteristics, and how they are developed. This study examines how graduates fare in the labour market, characterises their career resources, and explores the relationship between career resources and graduate-level …

Sticking Out And Fitting In: Experiences Of Black And Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Students At Scripps College, Grace Njoki Gitau

Scripps Senior Theses

There is a lack of research about the experiences of students of color at predominantly white women’s colleges. Women’s colleges are institutions that have evolved over hundreds of years to support the education of marginalized genders, including transgender women and nonbinary people in recent years. Many women’s colleges have a white majority of students, which can have adverse effects on students of color pursuing their education. Collecting data from Scripps College, a women’s college with 40% students of color, 12 interviews were conducted with students who self-identified as Black or Asian American. Results found that students of color who experience …

Annual Report Of Undergraduate Research Fellows From August 2024 To May 2025, Office Of Research And Sponsored Programs. Morehead State University.

Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Reports and Publications

Annual Report of Undergraduate Research Fellows from August 2024 to May 2025.

News From Uab Libraries, 01 2025, Uab Libraries

UAB Libraries News

No abstract provided.

Investigating The Effect Of Ai Use Disclosure And Identity On Faculty Evaluation, Nchimunya Mwiinga

Honors Program Theses

This study examines how professors' disclosure of artificial intelligence (AI) use affects student evaluations and whether these effects vary by professor ethnicity and gender. Participants reviewed identical course materials attributed to professors varying in gender and ethnicity (Asian, Black, Hispanic), with half explicitly disclosing AI use in material preparation. Results revealed that professors who disclosed AI use received significantly lower ratings across all evaluation dimensions. Furthermore, ethnicity interacted significantly with disclosure—Asian professors experienced the most substantial negative impact, Hispanic professors showed moderate negative effects, and Black professors demonstrated minimal differences between disclosure conditions. No significant gender effects were observed. These …

Mangroves: A Lesson On Modeling Changing Shorelines, Willa Skye

ENGS 15.11: Design and Education

This lesson is an overview of storm barriers, specifically mangroves and how they maintain shorelines. It is meant to offer a visual experience of coastline protection and provide a background for deeper understanding about intertidal zones and their conservation. Students will spend time creating a solution to a flooding problem by making a mock coast and storm barrier. To wrap-up the lesson, students will pair up, then reflect on their model and then individually write or draw their takeaways.

Communiqué: College Of Humanities, Arts & Sciences Alumni Magazine, Volume 11, 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Humanities, Arts, And Sciences.

Communiqué: College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences Alumni Magazine

Contents:

EVERY ISSUE
Message from the Dean --- 4
Donor Feature --- 5
CHAS Briefs --- 36
Class Notes --- 38

FEATURES
Engineering Advances --- 6
Japan Water Quality Trip --- 10
Theatre Outreach --- 14
A Future in Physics --- 18
International Teaching --- 24

STORIES
SLP Community Partnership --- 22
Professional Readiness --- 28
Syndaver Lab --- 30
Art Teaching Sisters --- 32
Math Alum Now NBA Coach --- 34

Online Learning Challenges And Coping Among U.S. College Students During Covid-19 Lockdown And Two Years After, Hayaa Alhazani, Li-Ting Chen

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

There is a lack of research on comparing college students’ learning experiences during and after the COVID-19 lockdown. Moreover, little is known about the relationship between student coping and perceived online learning challenges in higher education. The present study aimed to fill in the gap. Online survey responses from 43 U.S. college students were used in this correlational study. Learning environment challenges were rated as the greatest challenges during the lockdown and two years after it. Students who had taken online classes before the lockdown rated higher levels of technological complexity during the lockdown than their counterparts. When comparing coping …

Smart Education Across Academic Disciplines: A Systematic Literature Review, Billy T.M. Wong, Kam Cheong Li, Mengjin Liu

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Smart education has been practiced in many academic disciplines. To investigate the relationship between the implementation of smart education and the nature of academic disciplines, this paper presents a systematic review to address the literature gap. The study synthesized 110 journal articles collected from Scopus, which were published between 2010 and 2022 and reported smart education practices in higher education. Academic disciplines involved in the practices were categorized into Hard-Pure, Soft-Pure, Hard-Applied, and Soft-Applied based on the Biglan’s classification. The results illustrated that the practices were implemented mainly at the undergraduate level, and most frequently in the language and computer …

Change Is People: How Faculty, Staff, And Administrators Engage With And Shape A Substantive Organizational Change Process, Karen Bellnier

Open Access Dissertations

Creating substantive organizational change (SOC) in higher education can face numerous challenges including navigating complex sets of rules and relationships, negotiating potentially conflicting perspectives, and balancing the motivations and goals of peers (Engeström, 2018b; Kezar, 2018). Each SOC change agent brings a unique perspective, identity and motivation (Eteläpelto et al., 2013; Gess-Newsome et al., 2003) to their conception of and relationship to the planned change (Hay et al., 2021; Weick, 1995). This dynamic nature makes SOC difficult to conceptualize as a whole - either as a researcher or a change agent - and therefore difficult to understand how change processes …

Data Collection And Presentation Of Inclusive Pedagogy And Diversity In Engineering Education, Haiyan Xie, Sai Ram Gandla

Faculty Publications – Technology

This project examines the impact of inclusive teaching practices and the presence of diverse role models on students' perceptions of Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion (DEBI) in higher education, particularly among engineering and technology students. It seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of how these factors shape student experiences and perceptions of inclusivity and belonging within academic settings. This paper includes the questionnaire for the data collection and the graphical presentation of the bibliometric analysis.

The Reclassification Of Sport Management, Robyn Lubisco, Kerry Fischer, Genevieve F.E. Birren, Kathleen Burke

The COSMA Journal

Institutions of higher education use Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes to categorize and track academic programs. Developed by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), CIP codes are used for various purposes, including data collection, analysis, and reporting (NCES, 2010). Academic administrators can use CIP data to initiate or revise academic curriculum, develop market research for new programs, and reallocate programs. Institutions can establish benchmarks in the form of teaching, research, qualifications, and funding (Knudson, 2016). A survey distributed in November 2022 to members of the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) revealed less than one percent of …

From Heuristic Approach To Agile Mindset, Miloslava Cerna, Anna Borkovcová, Simon K.S. Cheung

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Agile learning applies agile principles to education and fits the creation of the learning content. This article discusses ways to incorporate agile learning in undergraduate programs. It investigates the adaptation of the didactic scenario that utilizes the principles of agile learning, based on a case study conducted in an undergraduate program on tourism management in a Czech university. Through the case study, a variety of ways in cognition is explored, from a heuristic approach to an agile mindset, and from a tried-and-true scheme to agile ways. Didactic scenarios of content creation scheme are designed, visualized, and compared. Promising results are …

Second Generation Immigrants In Higher Education: Experiences In Selective Liberal Arts Contexts, Brenna Paxton

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study is to examine the educational experiences of second-generation students at a selective, predominantly white liberal arts institution, in order to better understand what types of factors and practices contribute to their success, and how successful educational trajectories intersect with racial, ethnic, cultural and gender identities. To explore this, hour-long interviews were conducted, diving deeper into the educational experiences of second generation immigrants, also considering the lives of previous generations such as parents and grandparents. Interviews were transcribed and coded, uncovering patterns and themes that existed across participants’ experiences. Findings revealed that second generation immigrants at …

Lead The Way: 2024-25 Report Of The President, Office Of The President, Gonzaga University

Office of the President Publications

Each year, Gonzaga University's Office of the President produces an annual Report of the President. This publication that highlights just a few of the many accomplishments over the previous academic year, and is intended to convey gratitude to our Trustees and Regents, benefactors, and many supporters.

Developing Mathematical Maturity By Solving A Given Quadratic Equation, Armando A. Amador, Nieves Angulo, Juan B. Lacay

Publications and Research

This article explores the instructional challenges faced by mathematics educators when addressing students’ limited background knowledge and underdeveloped mathematical maturity, two critical barriers to success in college-level algebra. Using the quadratic equation 2x2+x−3=0, which is reducible over the field of rational numbers ℚ ⊂ ℝ, we analyze how diverse solution methods—factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula—can support learning. An additional strategy, “Slide and Divide,” was introduced to promote procedural fluency and conceptual flexibility. To gain insight into students’ evolving mathematical maturity, an online survey was conducted to students at various levels of mathematics. The survey captured their perspectives …

Smart Learning In An Ai-Driven World, Joseph R. Corbeil, Maria Elena Corbeil

TxDLA Journal of Digital Learning

SMART learning is an approach that combines sustainability, motivation, adaptability, results-oriented practices, and technology enablement. AI-driven SMART learning prioritizes flexibility, cost-efficiency, and knowledge retention, equipping teachers and students with the tools to adapt to an ever-evolving world. By envisioning AI's role in fostering SMART learning attributes, we pave the way for a future where technology and education intertwine to empower learners and redefine teaching practices.