Digital Commons Network^™

Those Elusive Algorithmic Harms: A Comment On Bar-Gill And Sunstein, Algorithmic Harm, Omri Ben-Shahar

Coase-Sandor Institute for Law & Economics Research Paper Series

Can we talk about harms of algorithms—of anything—without comparing them to the benefits? In Algorithmic Harm, Bar-Gill and Sunstein develop a theoretical framework to assess the impact of algorithms in consumer markets, focusing on harmful manipulation of unsophisticated buyers. But the same framework yields additional insights, not explored in the book—how algorithmic targeting and personalized prices benefit this same group of consumers. In this contribution to the book symposium, I examine this missing part, suggesting that algorithms’ ability to recognize different consumers often yields treatments favorable to weaker groups of consumers—an effect richly documented in the empirical economic literature. Absent …

Grading Machines: Can Ai Exam-Grading Replace Law Professors?, Kevin L. Cope, Jens Frankenreiter, Scott Hirst, Eric A. Posner, Daniel Schwarcz, Dane Thorley

Coase-Sandor Institute for Law & Economics Research Paper Series

In the past few years, large language models (LLMs) have achieved significant technical advances, such that legal-advocacy organizations are increasingly adopting them as complements to—or substitutes for— lawyers and other human experts. Several studies have examined LLMs’ performance in taking law school exams, finding mixed results. Yet there have been no published studies systematically analyzing LLMs’ competence at one of law professors’ chief responsibilities: grading law school exams. This paper presents results of an analysis of how LLMs perform in evaluating student responses to legal analysis questions of the kind typically administered in law school exams. The underlying data come …

Bankruptcy Judging After Williamson, Vincent S.J. Buccola

Coase-Sandor Institute for Law & Economics Research Paper Series

This Essay asks how bankruptcy judges ought to orient their substantial, statutory discretion in business reorganization cases. The motivating observation is that bankruptcy law enacts a kind of forced integration of productive assets. To shed light on the contemporary problems that bankruptcy judges face, I thus look to two classic approaches to the economic theory of the firm-from Oliver Williamson and from Oliver Hart. I conclude that nonjudicial institutions have largely surmounted the problems to which their theories point, leaving a different, and probably narrower, set of issues to worry about. Bankruptcy judges who have a notion that their job …

Digital Transformation: The Need For A Sustainable Green Culture In African Higher Education Institutions, Cheryl Akinyi Genga, Sunday Samson Babalola

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Digital transformation (DT) continuously affects individuals and organisations. African Higher Education Institutions (AHEIs) must prioritise robust IT infrastructure to enhance research, modernise teaching, and improve learning experiences in the digital era. Despite policies and programs promoting digital education, AHEIs face challenges in fully implementing DT because of unimplemented policies and the persistent digital divide. DT, driven by technological progress, is crucial for achieving environmental, economic, and social sustainability goals. This includes integrating sustainability into curricula, assessing institutional leaders' commitment to sustainability, and adopting eco-friendly campus practices. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are strategic concerns affecting institutional culture, research, teaching, and …

Gender Moderation On Students’ Adoption Of Whatsapp For Learning-Support Communication In Sub-Saharan Africa, Douglas Yeboah, Paul Nyagorme, Brandford Bervell, Godfred Yaw Koi-Akrofi, Awo Esaah Bempong

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Gender moderation in students’ adoption of WhatsApp for supporting distance learning has not been explored. This study applied the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model to analyze the moderation effects of gender on students’ adoption intentions of WhatsApp for learning. Multi-stage sampling techniques were used to obtain 273 participants. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Results showed that gender significantly moderated the effects of(a) performance expectancy on behavioral intention such that the effect was stronger for males than females, and (b) social influence on behavioral intention such that …

Evaluation Of Ste(A)M Education: An Analysis Of Research And Practices From 2014 To 2023, Billy T.M. Wong, Kam Cheong Li, Mengjin Liu

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and STEAM (by including Arts) education (hereafter STE(A)M education) has been widely studied and practiced. Evaluation plays an important role in assessing and improving the effectiveness of relevant initiatives. Although there has been extensive research on evaluating STE(A)M education, little attention has been paid to examining the patterns of said evaluations. To address the research gap, this paper analyses relevant work on the evaluation of STE(A)M education practices with respect to their countries/regions, levels of education, discipline domains, pedagogical approaches, objectives of evaluation, evaluation areas, as well as data collection and analysis methods. It …

Assessing Middle School Teachers' Digital Innovation Skills In Bisha Province: A Comprehensive Study, Ahmad Mohammad Aldaleel

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This study aims to assess the digital innovation skills of 400 middle school teachers in the Bisha Province and evaluate their significance in the educational process. The survey reveals that instructors exhibit a high level of technological expertise and proficiency, namely in utilising search engines and databases to locate information. Nevertheless, their proficiency in using artificial intelligence applications in school is deficient. In terms of digital security, instructors are competent at generating strong passwords, but they lack understanding of cybercrimes and prevention solutions. Teachers have exceptional communication and cooperation abilities, emphasising ongoing learning and active involvement in professional development programs. …

5e-Flipped E-Learning: A New Interactive Framework Of Speaking Instruction For Efl Learners, Dewi Surani, Yan Mujiyanto, Rudi Hartono, Zulfa Sakhiyya

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This case study aims to investigate the implementation of the 5E-flipped approach combined with an interactive e-learning module (5E-flipped e-learning) as a novel framework for teaching speaking skills. It focuses on how this model creates an e-learning environment that enhances EFL learners’ speaking abilities. A total of 23 law students were selected as participants using a purposive sampling technique with some specific criteria. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, observation, and documentation techniques and were then thematically analyzed. The findings indicated that the 5E-flipped e-learning provides a new structured framework for improving law students’ speaking skills within a focused and …

The Effect Of Immersive Virtual Reality-Enhanced Experiential Learning On Middle School Students’ Knowledge Retention, Creativity, And Perceptions, Yang Liu, Xiaoxia Huang, Jing Lei

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

While immersive virtual reality (IVR) shows promise as an educational tool, its effectiveness in facilitating cognitive achievement and learning experiences among young learners remains underexplored. This study adapted Kolb’s experiential learning theory to design, develop, implement, and examine an IVR-supported experiential learning model (IVR-ELM) within middle-school Arts lessons. Using a quasi-experimental method, quantitative and qualitative data indicated IVR-supported experiential learning facilitated middle school learners’ cognitive and affective outcomes. Quantitative results revealed significantly higher knowledge retention, creative design abilities, engagement, interest, and perceived competency in the IVR group compared to a traditional classroom. Qualitative data revealed students’ overall positive learning experience …

Teachers' Perspectives On Cultivating Students' Problem-Solving Skills In Higher Vocational Colleges: A Qualitative Analysis Based On The 3p Model, Xiu Guan, Yingqun Liu

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Problem-solving skills are critical for students in higher vocational colleges as they prepare for future careers and life challenges. However, cultivating problem-solving skills presents significant challenges. This study investigates the development of students’ problem-solving skills from the perspective of teachers in higher vocational colleges. Fifteen teachers participated in semi-structured interviews, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis based on the 3P model (Presage - Process - Product). Within this framework, the cultivation of problem-solving skills is conceptualized as a dynamic system comprising three interconnected stages. In the Presage stage, cognitive factors affect the effectiveness of skills development, while non-cognitive …

Enhancing Key Digital Competence In Pre-Service Kindergarten Teachers: A Design-Centered Spoc Blended Learning Model, Lingming Lu, Jirarat Sitthiworachart, Sirirat Petsangsri

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

As our world becomes increasingly digital, educators must possess strong digital skills to effectively prepare their students for the future. However, traditional teacher education programs often neglect the cultivation of digital competence. To address this gap, this study developed a Design-Centered SPOC Blended Learning (DCSBL) model to enhance the digital competence of pre-service kindergarten teachers. The DCSBL model integrates elements of blended learning, design-based learning, and digital competency training strategies. A quasi-experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of this model. The results indicated that the experimental group, which received DCSBL instruction, significantly outperformed the control group in terms …

An Analysis Of The Status Of Ict Integration In Tanzanian Teacher Colleges Based On The Samr Model, Renatus Makolo, Fredrick Ishengoma, Deo Shao

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

The preparation of competent teachers to apply information and communication technology (ICT) in teaching depends on how a student teacher interacts with ICT at their teacher’s college (TC). Tutors require instructional strategies that engage student teachers in the use of ICTs. The study employed the substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition (SAMR) model to evaluate the status of tutors’ ICT integration methods. A researcher collected data from 320 tutors across ten teachers’ colleges TCs. SPSS analyzed the results quantitatively through multiple linear regressions, tables, and charts. The results show that tutors integrate ICT at a low level (substitution and augmentation). The …

A Study Of Image Editing Ai Awareness In Children: Can Ai That Lets Still Images Speak Capture The Interest Of Young Children?, Hidemichi Okamoto, Hironori Tachizaki

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This study explores the application of image and video editing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in early childhood education, with a particular focus on “image-speaking AI”. We investigated whether using AI could effectively capture children’s attention. The results showed that, under certain settings, the longest attention span was achieved when a character spoke by means of AI(*p<0.05). Rather than adding sound to a still image, using AI to move the mouth of the still image captured the children’s attention. However, the parents from the survey indicated that the realism of the mouth movements seemed unnatural and could distract the viewers from understanding the contents.

Gamification In Education: Its Impact On Engagement, Motivation, And Learning Outcomes, Hansika Ukgoda

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Gamification, integrating game design elements into educational contexts, has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. This systematic review synthesizes findings from 41 peer-reviewed studies published between 2012 and 2023, offering a comprehensive overview of the current state of gamification in education. Following PRISMA guidelines, the review evaluates the effectiveness of gamification elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards. Key Findings indicate that while gamification can foster positive learning attitudes and competition, its effectiveness depends on the context. The impact of game elements on engagement and motivation varies based on the learning environment and …

A Stakeholder-Focused Strategy For Developing And Executing Smart Safety Systems For Construction Sites, Yan Wai Chan, Yiu Fai Tsang, Simon K.S. Cheung, Kwan Keung Ng, Kwok Tai Tai Chui, Lap-Kei Lee Dr.

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This paper explores the development and implementation of the Smart Site Safety System (4S) with artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) technologies from the perspectives of various stakeholders in the construction industry. It aims to shed light on the voluntary adoption of the 4S as a safety benchmark on construction sites by examining the views of developers and contractors, assessing implementation processes, identifying potential challenges, and suggesting relevant training initiatives. Preliminary work was conducted at two active construction sites in collaboration with selected innovation and technology firms. This approach offered several advantages, including comprehensive testing, leveraging established business relationships, …

Revolutionizing Higher Education: A Literature-Driven Exploration Of Ai-Based Student-Centered Learning System, Hind Albasry, Dadi Chen, Abdul Rauf

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing, driving improvements in performance and productivity across various sectors, including higher education (HE). Recently, AI has played a transformative role in enhancing student-centered education. However, recent studies indicate a lack of comprehensive understanding of AI-based student-centered education in HE and the key educational tools that underpin this system. This study systematically reviews the current literature from three highly reputable databases—ScienceDirect, IEEE Xplore, and EBSCOhost—based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The key articles are derived and aligned with the predefined main educational tasks to derive key AI-based student-centered education tools. Accordingly, the holistic AI-based …

Metaverse Is The Future Of Learning: Investigating The University Students' Adoption Intention And Emerging Research Agenda, Mohammad Faruk, Shahedul Hasan, Dr. Md. Shamsul Arefin, Sagor Ejarder, Md. Asif Khaled, Md. Nazmul Hossain

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This study aims to synthesize existing literature on the application of the metaverse - characterized by an immersive experience-providing environment and differentiated from AR and VR by three features: "shared", "persistent", and "de-centralized" - in the education sector and to determine the factors that influence the adoption intention of the metaverse among the university students in Bangladesh. A research framework and relevant hypotheses were developed considering TAM and UTAUT as the theoretical foundation. Adopting a descriptive research design, the study administers a 7-point Likert scale survey questionnaire among 566 respondents selected with convenience sampling from different public and private universities …

Artificial Intelligence & Criminal Justice: Cases And Commentary, Benjamin Perrin

All Faculty Publications

When I was given the chance to develop a seminar this year at UBC’s Peter A. Allard School of Law, I jumped at the opportunity to develop something new and engaging. After brainstorming ideas with students, it quickly became evident that there was substantial interest and enthusiasm for a seminar on the growing integration of artificial intelligence and the criminal justice system.

Embarking on this journey has been a steep learning curve for me as my students and I worked together to shape the course along with input from generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity, along with open-source …

'Decide One More Time': Prostitution And Sexual Intelligence In The Early Writings Of Andrea Dworkin, Janine Benedet

All Faculty Publications

Andrea Dworkin’s first book, Woman Hating, was published in 1974, and written while Dworkin was in her 20s. It is experimental, literary, and ultimately hopeful. Right Wing Women, which had its start as a Ms. Magazine article in 1977, was expanded into a book in 1983. The most difficult of Dworkin’s works to find today, it was also her least favourite, owing to the academic conventions demanded by the publisher. It is dense, political and unflinching in its criticism. Despite their differences, these two books demonstrate the evolution of Dworkin’s thinking as she grapples with a central feminist …

Stream Response To A Dam Removal: Mill Creek, Davenport, Ca, Jessica J. Williamson

Master's Theses

Dams have many effects on stream morphology and ecology, including a loss of sediment supply downstream, reduced access to the entire stream for aquatic fauna, and a flooded area upstream of the dam. Dams are a hurdle for migrating organisms such as anadromous fish, which is a group of concern. An over 100-year-old dam on Mill Creek, a stream draining a coastal watershed in central California, was removed in the fall of 2021. The site is in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where endangered salmonids such as steelhead, Oncorhynchus mykiss, have historically lived. To study the change in the stream from …

The Chironian 2025, New York Medical College

The Chironian

The Chironian is distributed to a readership of 16,000 faculty, alumni and employees of New York Medical College, government and community leaders, affiliated hospitals and selected media. Each issue is carefully crafted to provide a balance of articles on cutting-edge research, personality profiles, student accomplishments and alumni news from all five schools on the NYMC campus. Inquiries can be sent to [email protected].

Exploring Large Language Models For Summarizing And Interpreting An Online Brain Tumor Support Forum, Christy Muasher-Kerwin, M. Courtney Hughes, Michelle L. Foster, Ibrahiim Al Azher, Hamed Alhoori

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

Objective

Methods

Comparison Of Dynamic Mode Decomposition With Other Data-Driven Models For Lung Cancer Incidence Rate Prediction, L. Raymond Guo, Jifu Tan, M. Courtney Hughes

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

Introduction: Public health data analysis is critical to understanding disease trends. Existing analysis methods struggle with the complexity of public health data, which includes both location and time factors. Machine learning offers powerful tools but can be computationally expensive and require specialized knowledge. Dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) is an alternative that offers efficient analysis with fewer resources. This study explores applying DMD in public health using lung cancer data and compares it with other machine learning models.

Methods: We analyzed lung cancer incidence data (2000–2021) from 1,013 US counties. Machine learning models (random forest, gradient boosting machine, support vector machine) …

The Role Of Cooperative Extension In Community Development: A Study Of Success Stories And Leadership Practices, George Grant

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Leadership Studies

The Cooperative Extension System (CES) plays a vital role in community education and development across the United States. CES agents and specialists work directly with community members to identify needs, mobilize existing assets, and empower action. Despite the overlap in the fields of CES and community development, few studies have systematically analyzed the specific practices used by extension personnel who act as facilitators of change within communities. To address this gap in knowledge, a qualitative study was conducted using directed content analysis of CES success stories published through the University of Kentucky to identify practices used among two integral positions …

Path-Goal Leadership Dynamics In Advanced Manufacturing Dual Credit Career And Technical Education (Cte) Classrooms In Connecticut, Kyle R. Pepin

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Leadership Studies

This dissertation examined the adaptive instructional leadership practices of instructors teaching dual credit career and technical education (CTE) classes in Connecticut, particularly in advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT). The study drew on survey responses from a broader group of course instructors and a purposeful sample of six instructors and six adult students who participated in semi-structured interviews. All instructors taught dual credit classes in partnership with Connecticut State Community College in hands-on manufacturing, engineering, or similar workshop environments designed to prepare high school aged students for careers and develop practical, job-ready skills in settings that closely replicate industry conditions. This under-researched …

From Engagement To Clarity: Understanding Career Exploration Activities And Their Influence On Career Clarity Among High School Students, Odunayo O. Omotilewa

Theses and Dissertations--Education Sciences

This study examined the associations between career exploration activities and career clarity among high school students in the U.S.A. Using data from the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment, collected from a national sample of 15 to 16-year-olds across 154 schools, the researcher first identified student and school factors associated with engaging in career exploration. The study then examined the influence of these activities on career clarity. Specifically, the analysis focused on internships, job shadowing, job fairs, career counseling, completing career questionnaires, researching careers and colleges online, attending college tours, and financing information, and on the level of engagement in …

Implementation Of Project-Based Instruction In Statistics Higher Education Courses, Jennifer A. Daddysman

Theses and Dissertations--Education Sciences

Project-based instruction is an instructional methodology based in constructivism that aligns with recommendations from the American Statistical Association for teaching statistics, including incorporating real-world data and examples, collaboration, and scaffolding (GAISE College Report ASA Revision Committee, 2016; GAISE Steering Committee, 2024; Krajcik & Blumenfeld, 2005; Tishkovskaya & Lancaster, 2012). This study examined current use of project-based instruction in United States higher education courses in statistics and the supports for and challenges to implementing this type of instruction.

This study used qualitative research methodology in the integrative pedagogy and diffusion of innovation frameworks. Voluntary response surveys were distributed via two sections …

Growing An Inquiry Practice: A Case Study Of Teacher Change In Social Studies Classrooms, Alicia Michelle Saccomanno

Theses and Dissertations--Education Sciences

This exploratory case study examines how a group of social studies teachers refined their inquiry-based instructional practices over a school year. Research questions included: 1. How do teachers grow their use of questions, tasks, and sources? 2. What obstacles do teachers face when implementing inquiry? How do they work to overcome those obstacles? 3. How do teachers learn to trust the inquiry process, trust themselves to implement it, and trust their students to collaborate, deliberate, and produce meaningful work? This study examined teachers' design and instructional choices as well as their responses to student outcomes …

Examining How Well High School Geometry Students Learn Concepts Of Three-Dimensional Figures Using A Project-Based Instructional Strategy, Lenora A. Mcgrath

Theses and Dissertations--Education Sciences

This paper examines how well the introduction of an integrated approach, namely, Project-based Instruction (PBI), which uses real-world contexts to investigate problems, leads to improved academic performance and student motivation in a 9^th Grade Geometry class studying three-dimensional figures and their properties. The experimental group worked through the researcher-designed unit that included mini-lessons, six benchmark lessons, and the design and creation of a final product to address the driving question of the unit. The comparison group experienced a normative teaching strategy designed by the classroom teacher. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was chosen for the proposed study to …

Recipient Experiences Of Donor-Funded College Scholarships: “I Don't Know What You Want To Know About Me. I Don't Know What I Know About You.”, Teresa Waddle Gotthardt

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation

This qualitative study explores the experience of receiving donor-funded scholarship support facilitated through a higher education institution, especially when the recipient has interacted with the donor of the funding. This recipient-and-donor-interaction is common at American post-secondary institutions in the form of written thank you notes and attendance at donor recognition events. This research addressed the following questions: How do donor-funded scholarship recipients experience this funding? How do donor-funded scholarship recipients experience interaction with the donor of the scholarship? These questions were explored through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 23 recent alumni from five private universities and colleges who received donor-funded scholarships …