Education Commons^™

Exploring Digital And Print Text Experiences Of Adolescent Readers, Melissa Brown

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Digital and print texts, as well as the efficiency of reader engagement with them, have long been of interest in scholarly literature. Most of the studies undertaken in this connection seek to compare reader comprehension of these two text media. But what are the lived experiences of reading digital versus print? And how do those who are still expected to be growing in their reading skills experience immersion and distraction in either medium? This study utilizes a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to investigate high school students’ experiences of digital texts in order to examine how their experiences with digital texts differ …

The Effect Of Group Interactions And Group Structure On Achievement In Elementary School Robotics Classrooms, Jonathan Kimei Yogi

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Jung and Won's (2018) review of elementary school ER found a lack of understanding of instructional practices for ER with young children. Other researchers have called for further studies into what effective classroom orchestration and interaction look like within ER classrooms (Ioannou & Makridou, 2018; Xia & Zhong, 2019). This study was conducted to understand the effect of group interactions and group structure in terms of gender on achievement in elementary school robotics classes. Knowing the effect that interactions have on students' achievement can help inform instructional practices and pedagogies in educational robotics activities (Kucuk & Sisman, 2017). The study …

A Tier 2 Support For Online Learners: Implementing A Technology-Aided Check-In/Check-Out For High School Students With Autism, Patrick J. Mallory

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Online education is an increasingly popular format of schooling used around the world (Digital Learning Collaborative, 2019). For students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), challenges with executive functioning skills like self-management can have a significant impact on their ability to successfully participate in online learning. With a growing number of students with disabilities like ASD participating in online education, there is a need to explore support strategies that promote self-management in virtual environments that take into consideration the unique barriers of these students and their families. However, there is very limited research on providing behavioral support for students with ASD …

Lived Experiences Of Women In Collegiate Esports Leadership, Kim S. Johnson

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

A leadership gender gap exists in politics, business, and higher education, and there appears to be one in collegiate esports. Researchers have conducted studies on some aspects of esports; however, we know little about women’s experiences leading collegiate esports programs. The purpose of this qualitative study - a descriptive (transcendental) phenomenology – was to explore and describe the essence of women’s lived experiences in leading collegiate varsity esports programs at higher education institutions. In-depth interviews were the research method. Seven women employed as collegiate varsity esports coaches or directors described their historical context, present experiences in the profession, and how …

Accessible And Inclusive Online Course Design In Higher Education, Amy Lomellini

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

The growth of online learning has expanded the reach of higher education to more diverse students than ever before; however, students often face barriers to equitable access to online instructional materials, course activities, and assessments. The challenge of meeting the needs of diverse learners was both highlighted and exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid shift to remote teaching and learning at many institutions. Disabled students were one group that was particularly affected. Research has explored faculty and students’ (with and without disabilities) perceptions of online learning; however, less is known about instructional designers’ and their team leaders’ roles …

A Phenomenological Study Of Digital Business Simulation Games And Implementation For Corporate Learning, Jeremy Morgan Manjorin

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative phenomenological study investigated the experiences of a purposive sample of eight Learning and Development executives to understand the circumstances leading to, as well as the experiences implementing Digital Business Simulation Games (DBSG) in a corporate learning environment, specifically related to the financial service industry. Their perception of the organizational needs, decision-making process of those involved, as well as the experience in design, development, and implementation may contribute to a better understanding of the circumstances within an organization where a DBSG would be an effective solution to achieve the development goals of learners within that organization. This study will …

Understanding Students' Experience With 1:1 Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning In A Mathematics Classroom, Oscar Antonio Perales Aguilera

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

There has been a move towards integrating educational technology into K-12 mathematics classrooms. This emphasis has been partly driven by policy, increases in technology resources available, and a need to engage students in their mathematical learning. Most studies on technology integration in mathematics education are focused on teachers’ perceptions or students’ academic achievement. However, we need to learn how students perceive their learning in this type of environment. This dissertation is a basic qualitative study aimed at understanding the experiences of students with 1:1 computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) in an Algebraic Reasoning classroom. The study used the mathematical software, Desmos, …

Game-Based Learning: Examining Factors That Influence K-12 Classroom Usage, Sean Ward

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Video games have become a popular and accepted part of digital culture and are becoming more accepted as an engaging instructional tool in schools. Integration of games can help develop students’ intrinsic motivation for learning and are a great way for teachers to incorporate student interests and make connections to the curriculum. Classroom usage of digital games is becoming more widespread, but prior research suggests that game-based learning is underutilized as a tool in the teacher toolbox. This study seeks to understand the factors that influence teachers’ decisions to use or not use digital games in their classroom and make …

Communicating Multiplicative Reasoning Through Semiotic Resources, Emilie N. Eisenberger

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

The importance of fostering in students the requisite language to understand what is being communicated and how to communicate their understanding requires educators to conceptualize themselves as teachers of language and content. It is possible to engage in activities of the mathematics classroom and through that participation engage in language practices and mathematical practices simultaneously. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of semiotic resources, and modality, with a student-generated tool on students’ communication of multiplicative reasoning.

The study design was a qualitative case study that included a single third-grade class with an in-depth look at six …

Associations Between The School Physical Environment And Climate In Rural Schools, Tate Castleton

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (2021), more than half of all public-school districts and nearly one-third of all public-school students attend rural schools in the U.S. This study identifies characteristics of the physical environment of rural schools, considers how the physical environment of rural schools compares to urban and suburban schools, and describes the associations of a school’s physical environment with perceptions of school climate among students, staff, and parents.

Using the School Assessment for Environmental Typology (SAfETy; Bradshaw et al., 2015), this study objectively assessed the physical environment of 40 rural schools in Idaho. Those characteristics …

Associations Between Stakeholder Perceptions Of School Climate And Fidelity Of Implementation Of Key Features Of The Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports Framework In Rural Schools, Nathan Florin Anderson

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

School climate can be complex to measure and to change, but it is clear that it is a critical component of an effective school. One practice that has been shown to positively influence school climate is Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). PBIS is a framework of evidence-based practices and its power for initiating change has been shown to come from fidelity of implementation of its key components. Although there is a lot of research on PBIS implementation, not a lot is known about implementation in rural schools and the unique challenges that setting provides. This study measures baseline levels …

Tinkering Towards Theories: The Role Of Tinkering In Building Scientific Models, Shakayla Moran

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Tinkering and modeling have increasingly gained traction within science education. For this study, I adopt the construct of tinkering, which is usually applied to the development of tangible artifacts and consider how this activity might apply to the development of novel models and theoretical objects in science. Data was collected from student artifacts and coding of transcripts was performed to identify how students design models in science, with a focus on how students engage in tinkering when doing so. Using a multiple case study approach, I examined two cases of undergraduate pre-service science teachers’ development of models of light and …

Literate Change Agents Working In Oral Communities: Navigating Paradigm Shifts, Regina Marie Manley

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This research documents the experience of 12 local leaders implementing an oral curriculum over 13 months in Karnataka, India. These leaders were Change Agents interested in influencing a community with new information. They created audio materials referred to as “content” in their group’s mother tongue: In a Kannada-Telegu mix for the Madiga group (a Scheduled Caste); in Vaagri Booli for the Hakkipikki group (a Scheduled Tribe); and in Kannada for the Kannadiga group. The first two languages are unwritten. The Kannada language is the official language of Karnataka state. The oral curriculum followed the Spoken Worldwide® model. Each team of …

The Relationship Between Motivation, Academic Achievement, And Engagement In Mathematics Using Digital Game-Based Learning: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Study, Amy Rose Morgan

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Digital game-based learning (DGBL) has unique factors that can engage students in the learning process. It has been shown that incorporating DGBL into mathematics can help bridge the learning gap, differentiate instruction, and engage students (Yang et al., 2018; Hulse et al., 2019; Chen et al., 2012; Naik, 2017). This study examined how students’ prior engagements are related to their academic achievement as well as investigated students’ motivation while utilizing DGBL in mathematics. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was utilized to collect the quantitative data followed by the qualitative data. There were eighteen middle school participants in grades six …

Cognitive Demand Of Teacher-Created Mathematics Assessments, Megan Marie Schmidt

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzed assessments created by middle school mathematics teachers participating in a large scale research project in the Northwestern United States. Assessments were coded using the frameworks of Webb’s Depth of Knowledge (DOK) for mathematics content (2002), and Smith and Stein’s Levels of Demand (LOD) (1998). Teachers in the study were instructed to create an assessment using 5 common-items provided by the research team and 5 of their own sourced items. Assessment items were coded using each framework and data was collected based on the DOK framework, LOD framework, and grade level. Findings indicate on average, teachers assessments were …

Making In The Midst Of Pandemic: The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Two Public Library Makerspaces, Stacey Woods

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on makerspaces in the United States which were subject to public health guidelines and challenged with limited/no access to facilities. This multi-case study examined two public library makerspaces, and addressed these research questions: (1) How did the pandemic affect makerspace operations and access, and the teaching and learning that occurs there? (2) How did makerspace leaders respond to the challenges of the pandemic? (3) How did makerspaces evolve during the COVID-19 pandemic? I developed the Conceptual Framework for Studying the Impact of Pandemic on Public Library Makerspaces which informed the …

Phenomenon-Based Instruction In The Elementary Classroom: Impact On Student Engagement And Achievement In Science Content Learning, Chris Taylor

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Phenomenon-based teaching is a multidisciplinary instructional approach based on student inquiry and problem solving. Students investigate and solve their own questions by applying what topics are relevant to the problem. The goal of phenomenon-based learning is to prepare learners to solve problems in real life. Instead of passively learning abstract or disconnected concepts, phenomenon-based instruction provides student’s rich and meaningful context to the subject by actively engaging them to discover knowledge and skills required to solve the problems. Phenomenon-based instruction gives students the opportunities for discourse, argumentation-using claims with supporting evidence, and making sense of the material being covered, ultimately …

Examining The Impact Of A Self-Awareness Intervention On The Reading Accuracy And Self-Monitoring Skills Of Students With Reading Difficulties, Meagan A. Payne

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Students with reading difficulties often struggle to monitor their reading, which limits their ability to become independent readers. To foster development of self-monitoring skills in the process of reading, strategies for monitoring one’s own reading performance should be incorporated into existing reading interventions. However, there is a lack of comprehensive interventions that support both reading and self-monitoring. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a video self-monitoring intervention on the word reading accuracy, oral reading accuracy, and self-monitoring skills of students with reading and self-regulation difficulties. The theory of change on which the study was based …

The Graduate Identity Formation Through Teaching (Gift) Project As A Mitigating Tool For Imposter Phenomenon, Brooke Ward

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is an exploratory analysis of the impact of the Graduate Identity Formation through Teaching intervention -- an intervention in which Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics graduate students act as subject matter experts through teaching scientific concepts to elementary teacher candidates -- on graduate students and how it may mediate impostor phenomenon. A sense of expertise, community, and belonging were used as proxy measurements for impostor phenomenon. Data from graduate student impact statements in reflection papers and post-semester interviews were analyzed to measure change in imposter phenomenon for each graduate student. As a result of the intervention, graduate students …

Investigating Cultural Values And Educational Technology Adoption In Central Asia: A Case Study, Randall W. Gwin

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Although the adoption of new tools for communication and learning could reasonably be expected to influence culture, little is known about the relationship between cultural values and the adoption or diffusion of Web 2.0 technologies. This case study examines the way in which the cultural values of 59 teachers in four Central Asian countries influenced and were influenced by Web 2.0 technologies during five to eighteen months of online professional development. Data was collected through self-introductions, Likert-scale and open-ended prompts on initial and final surveys, online forum discussions, and capstone projects. This allows an examination of changes in the participants’ …

Identifying Factors Impacting The Intention To Use Videos Of Authentic Patient Encounters By Ems Educators, Melisa Martin

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

The cornerstones of prehospital provider education include didactic instruction, psychomotor skills training, and hospital and ambulance clinical rotations. Increasing enrollment in healthcare education programs, limited clinical opportunities, and an increasingly technologically savvy student body are compelling educators to pursue supplementary techniques for teaching and learning. Although high fidelity simulators are becoming increasingly commonplace, other educational technologies are less widely adopted. Concomitantly, little research has been conducted exploring rationale and motivating factors for adoption and utilization of technology by EMS educators. Videos of authentic patient encounters recorded in clinical settings (VAPE) have the potential to provide students an opportunity to learn …

An Exploration Of Levels Of Choice In Online Assignments And The Relationship To Students' Work And Their Thoughts About Motivation, Jonathan Crocker

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This case study explored the relationship between levels of content choice in three high school online English language arts courses and evidence of student motivation in student work and students’ thoughts about motivation. These courses were designed around the main components of Self-Determination Theory (autonomy, competence, relatedness) and with a personalized learning framework. During the 2020-2021 school year, students in the courses were given reading options and writing prompts that offered “no choice” (zero options), “low choice” (2-3 options), and “high choice” (4+ options). Forty students completed anonymous end-of-course surveys designed to gather details about the relationship between motivation and …

Video Communication: Explorations Of Community And Connectedness, And Closeness In Online Courses, Eric S. Belt

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Educators and students are using synchronous and asynchronous video communication technologies in unprecedented ways given the ongoing global pandemic. Despite continued educational research on video communication technology, less is known about the social implications of these forms of communication. Online learning has faced challenges (e.g., learner isolation, technological competency, and time management) since its inception; these challenges have been exacerbated in the rapid transition to emergency remote teaching. Given problems like these, additional research is needed to better understand how video communication technology can be used to improve communication and interaction in online learning. The following dissertation presents a series …

Teachers And Digital Literacies: Mixed-Methods Investigation Into 1:1 Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments, Angela S. Wagner

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Despite the bustling technological landscape in which we live and learn, technology is still limited in its integration within classrooms. The current drive in education to promote 21st-century skills and digital literacies appears to remain relatively idle for a variety of reasons. This mixed-methods study examines the impact 1:1 technology has on digital literacies and the barriers faced by teachers with its incorporation into secondary classrooms. It explores the extent to which instructors within 1:1 environments perceive their technology integration and investigates how this indirectly impacts the acquisition of digital literacies within the classroom. By gaining more insight into how …

The Influence Of Positive School Orientation And Teacher Attachment On Adolescent Mental Health Outcomes: Investigating Possible Group Differences, Within A Social And Emotional Learning Curriculum, Stefanie Diann Holloway

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Social and emotional learning (SEL) interventions can be delivered universally in schools to help equalize opportunities for diverse students and improve their mental health, as well as other outcomes. However, it is not always known or fully understood which underlying mechanisms may be at play that enable these interventions to achieve their effects –or how such mechanisms may develop over time, within an SEL intervention. The primary purpose of this study was to determine how one such intervention, Positive Action, was able to improve adolescent students’ mental health outcomes, by testing the potential mediational influences of students’ levels of …

Understanding Teachers’ Perceptions And Strategies Implemented In High School Mathematics Classes Using Aleks, Tristan Kumor

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

The Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) is an adaptive learning tool used by hundreds of thousands of high school students in the United States. This study was designed to understand how teachers in high school mathematics classrooms used the ALEKS system for instruction and to examine what their perceptions were of its ease of use and usefulness. A basic qualitative study was conducted where five Chicagoland high school mathematics teachers were interviewed three times over the course of one academic school year. This study asked teachers to share first hand experiences and perceptions of using ALEKS. The Technology …

An Exploration Of The Nature Of Social Interactions Between Preschool Students With Diverse Social-Emotional Skills During Engineering Activities, Gurupriya Ramanathan

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Peer interactions are a significant part of school experiences and influence children’s adjustment to school, however preschool students with and at-risk for disabilities are found to display a unique trajectory of social development, often requiring intentional instruction in social skills. A variety of interventions have been designed to support these students; however, they target foundational skills such as inviting peers to play and taking turns with materials, leaving a gap in the research on more complex social skills such as collaboration and joint problem-solving. The engineering design process (EDP) is a cyclical method that students follow to collectively build a …

Understanding Principals’ Knowledge Of Special Education, Whitney G. Schexnider

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

The percentage of students identified as eligible to receive special education services in the United States has grown from 8.3% in the 1976-77 school year to 14% during the 2018-19 school year (Hussar et al., 2020). Given this level of growth and the myriad of levels of support principals provide for students with disabilities, one would assume that principal preparation programs have adjusted their curriculum to ensure future school administrators are prepared to support every student, including those with disabilities. The purpose of this research study is to better understand how current school administrators learned special education-related information for their …

Game Based Intervention To Develop Early Childhood Mathematical Understanding And Decrease Gaps Related To Socioeconomic Status, Lydia Flynn

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Early mathematical understanding is important for later success in mathematics. Game based interventions can be a successful means by which to help young students to improve their mathematical understandings. The purpose of this study is to examine whether a math game that was to be played at home improved the mathematical understanding of kindergarten students. Kindergarten students, from rural Idaho, were assigned to a group that played math games (n = 15) or a control group that did not (n = 13). The intervention group was given a simple math game and instructed to play 20 times in a …

The Influence Of Course Community And Personal Community Support On Learner Engagement In Online Courses, Kristin Kipp

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Borup, Graham, West, Archambault, and Spring (2020) theorized that a student’s level of engagement in an online course is influenced by course community support and personal community support, with both factors helping a student to achieve a level of engagement that is not possible independently. In other words, an individual student’s ability to engage in an online course can be explained by the kinds of community a student finds within a course and their social support from friends, family, and community as they take the class. The purpose of this study is to understand to what extent course community support …