Educational Technology Commons^™

Comparing Student Perceptions: Self-Directed Learner And Sense Of Responsibility With Their Measured Self-Direction In Learning Programming, Abigail Blalock

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This research poster presents findings from a broader study examining self-direction in learning (SDL) programming among first-year engineering students enrolled in an introductory programming course at Embry-Riddle. Developing learner autonomy and self-direction is essential for fostering lifelong learning and adaptability, particularly in programming, where rapidly evolving tools and techniques require continuous skill development. Using a quasi-experimental approach, this study investigates students’ self-direction in learning using a 25-item validated instrument on the Personal Responsibility Orientation to Self-Direction in Learning Scale (PRO-SDLS). Grounded in the Personal Responsibility Orientation (PRO) model, the instrument distinguishes between the external teaching–learning process and the internal characteristics …

Designing Process-Focused Feedback For College Writers Using Genai, Beata Blood, Maissane Aik, Zoey Zaldivar

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

As generative AI tools like ChatGPT become more common in higher education, writing instructors face the challenge of guiding students toward effective and ethical use, particularly in asynchronous environments where immediate feedback is limited. This presentation reports on an exploratory study that addresses this challenge by shifting attention from AI’s outputs to students’ moment-by-moment writing processes. Grounded in applied linguistics approaches to writing research and process-tracing methods, the project employed case studies with both expert and novice users of GenAI. Expert participants, including academics and industry professionals, completed writing tasks while integrating AI into their workflows. Their sessions were recorded …

Meeting The Moment With Ai-Employer Informed Education, Brent Terwilliger, John Faraca

Publications

As artificial intelligence transforms aviation, aerospace, and autonomy-related sectors, higher education must adapt to meet evolving workforce demands. This session shares emerging findings from a nationwide study led by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, focused on employer perceptions of AI adoption, responsible use, and workforce preparedness in domains including uncrewed systems, space systems, robotics, and advanced air mobility. Based on a structured survey and follow-up interviews, the presentation explores how organizations are using AI tools, from generative platforms to enterprise systems, and defining effective and inappropriate use in operational contexts. Participants will gain insight into critical concerns (e.g., data privacy, compliance, security, …

Byod: Ai Revolution In Education – Beyond The Chatbot!, John Boekenoogen

AI Summit

This session will look at a few AI tools that you can use for everything from course development, quick and easy simulations, daily tools, and much more. The only limitation is your own imagination!

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence In Education To Drive Cross-Sector Innovation, Brent Terwilliger, John Faraca

Publications

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes educational practices, particularly in technical fields such as uncrewed systems, robotics, and aviation/ aerospace, its integration raises promise and complexity. This exploratory study features an investigation of the impact AI tools adoption has on instruction, curriculum support, and workforce preparation, with a focus on online learning environments. Drawing from pilot survey data across aviation and aerospace education stakeholders and hands-on evaluation of AI video production platforms, findings reveal diverse applications, perceived benefits, and critical concerns, including ethical, pedagogical, and institutional challenges. Additionally, the analysis explored how AI-enabled education intersects with broader industry and government innovation …

The Refractive Thinker®: Artificial Intelligence: The New Frontier Of The Digital Age: Ch 7: Navigating The Integration Of Ai In Higher Education: Opportunities, Challenges, And Ethical Considerations, Cheryl Lentz, Dr. Karen Balcanoff

Publications

As educators in higher education continue to learn the effects and influence of artificial intelligence (AI), there are questions regarding the role of educators. According to Bearman et al. (2023), more research has been conducted about AI technology rather than how AI will affect higher education institutes (HEI). The goal of this chapter was to begin to fill this gap regarding the how by offering discourse through a refractive thinking approach and review of the literature with practical application of this how, particularly in the areas of (a) ethics and cheating, (b) use of administrative repetitive tasks easily delegated, and …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Game-Based Virtual Reality In Satellite Ground Control Operations Education And Training, Lana Laskey, Joseph R. Keebler, Paul M. Cairns, Geovanny Lopez

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

There is increased global demand for satellite amenities such as navigation, communications, weather reporting, disaster management, agricultural operations, or humanitarian assistance. The growing demand for satellite technology amplifies the need for highly trained satellite operators. Traditional simulation training methods typically utilize two-dimensional computer displays. However, training approaches involving game-based instruction and immersive virtual reality have shown benefits when integrated with complex disciplines and may provide an advanced training alternative for satellite operators. Game-based instruction enhances user motivation and cognitive engagement, while immersive virtual reality promotes user presence and prolonged cognitive engagement. The combination of these two training methods, noted as …

Review Of Vr Technical Specification Requirements For A Procedural Training Task, Stephanie G. Fussell

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Many aviation education and training programs are expanding their learning materials to include virtual learning environments (VLEs) that utilize virtual reality (VR) technology. While developing training materials and the VLE, an understanding of technical specification requirements is needed to inform stakeholders who need to choose a headset for a given training scenario. As part of a larger initiative to compare the usability of multiple VR headsets for implementation into procedural training, a review of the extant literature was conducted to identify technical specifications of VR head-mounted displays, followed by a pilot test of a head-mounted display (HMD) comparison methodology that …

Development Of A Safety Performance Decision-Making Tool For Flight Training Organizations, Marisa Aguiar, Carolina L. Anderson, Dothang Truong, Gregory S. Woo, Kenneth Byrnes

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

The purpose of the research was to create and validate a safety performance decision-making tool to transform a reactive safety model into a predictive, decision-making tool, specific to flight training organizations, to increase safety and aid in operational decision-making. Using Monte Carlo simulation, the study conducted simulation runs based on operational ranges to simulate the operating conditions with varying levels of controllable resources in terms of personnel (Aviation Maintenance Technicians and Instructor Pilots) and expenditures (active flight students and available aircraft). Four What-if Scenarios were conducted by manipulating the controllable inputs. Changes to the controllable inputs are reflected by variations …

Advancements In Ai-Driven Education: Transforming Learning And Training With Intelligent Technologies, Sharon L. Burton

Publications

This article examines the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education, focusing on its integration in learning methodologies and its impact on student engagement and outcomes. Recent research underscores the increasing use of AI in education, where it is reshaping teaching and learning dynamics by facilitating personalized and effective learning experiences. Applying Literature review, the study further explores AI's role in enhancing independent learning abilities and student satisfaction, with intelligent learning tools proving crucial in improving user contentment and intent to use. Additionally, it considers the ethical and risk management aspects of AI in education, including data governance …

Extracting A Body Of Knowledge As A First Step Towards Defining A United Software Engineering Curriculum Guideline, Anton Kiselev

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

In general, the computing field is a rapidly changing environment, and as such, software engineering education must be able to adjust quickly to new needs. Industry adapts to technologies as fast as it can, but the critical issue is a need for recent graduates with the necessary expertise and knowledge of new trends, technologies, and practical experience. The industries that employ graduates of computing degree programs aim to hire those who are familiar with the latest technical traits, tools, and methodologies to meet these needs, and the software engineering curriculum needs to respond quickly to these needs. Still, unfortunately, software …

Developing Career Pathways In Uas For Non-Traditional Students Through Collaborative, Online Learning Environments, Kimberly Luthi, Christian Janke

Publications

The integration of drone technologies through online simulation platforms and uncrewed system scenarios offer opportunities to introduce STEM concepts from the fields of robotics, computer science, mechatronics, and aviation. New software technology developments will increase student engagement in STEM education and support learning of uncrewed systems applications and operating competencies. The use of drone simulation software creates a collaborative environment for group activities and sharing of results with peer review.

Utilization Of Simulation Software To Enhance The Learning Experience For Students At The Worldwide Campus, Kimberly Luthi, Christian Janke, Yuetong Lin

Publications

The purpose of this presentation is to introduce benefits, best practices and examples of simulation software in online course environments. The research team does not have any affiliation with the introduced software platforms.

Peer-Led Team Learning Strategies In Engineering Pathways, Kimberly Luthi, Monica Surrency, John Keith Wilson, David Harvie

Publications

Train Peer-Leaders on difference between mentor/tutor and Peer Leader. Focuses on leadership skills. Provides technology resources tutorial. Provided suggested teaching and learning strategies for PLTL activities.

Critical Teaching Behaviors: Defining, Documenting, And Discussing Good Teaching, Claudia Cornejo-Happel

Publications

What does “good” teaching mean, and how can we know it when we see it? Perhaps you have grappled with these questions at some point in your career, either as an instructor wanting to document or grow your teaching effectiveness or as a peer or administrator trying to provide guidance to or assess the teaching of others.

This book serves three purposes: a condensed, evidence-based guide to effective teaching; a resource on creating a focused teaching narrative and teaching portfolio; and a toolkit that equips faculty to conduct peer observations, student midterm feedback, and productive conversations related to teaching.

The …

Using Technology Pedagogy To Enable Workforce Development, Inclusion And Diversity Into The Aerospace Industry, Karen Johnson, Ryan Goertzen, Stephen Ley

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

The pool of aviation mechanics and technicians is not growing fast enough to support the projected growth in aviation. A group of stakeholders has come together with a big idea to help attract the next generation of talent.

Choose Aerospace, in collaboration with Clemson University Center for Workforce Development, the Aviation Technician Education Council, labor organizations, industry employers, and educational partners including subject matter experts at Greenville Technical College, Utah Valley University, Southern Illinois University, intends to deploy an innovative and effective aviation technical curriculum into high schools across the country. A program projected to reach 10,000 students by 2027. …

Workforce Of The Future Begins With Aviation Stem, Lyndsay Digneo

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

The United States has always been a world leader in aviation. This leadership position relies on the strength of the American STEM workforce and the quality of the nation’s educational, industrial, and government institutions. Therefore, it is imperative to nurture today’s students to become a well-trained STEM workforce in the future.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) William J. Hughes Technical Center (WJHTC) recognizes that in pursuing its mission of aviation research, engineering, development, and test and evaluation, it is in a unique position to support aviation STEM activities for schools (K-12), post-secondary institutions, and community organizations. In 2016, the Technical …

Using An Augmented Reality App For Flight Training, Parker W. Northrup, Heather H. Marriott, Stacey L. Mcintire, Hong Zhan

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

As the global demand for aviation pilots continues to drastically increase, flight schools are experiencing a large influx of ab-initio flight students. Such flight training programs are seeking innovative, cutting-edge technologies to support these students and expedite their flight training. The ARAir app, a custom app developed by our team, was designed for ab-initio pilots training at the Embry-Riddle Prescott campus. The initial implementation in Spring 2021 included phonetic alphabet practice and strategic radiotelephony that allows students to practice in a self-paced environment with immediate corrective feedback at various levels of complexity. Students can compete against themselves to improve phonetic …

Improved Feedback Mechanisms Of The Hydraulics Sandbox Simulator, Karen J. Johnson, Martin Hebel

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

The proposed presentation will include the following project and results from implementation in an aircraft hydraulic systems course.

In 2020 we developed a digital hydraulics system schematic sandbox for use in an FAA Part 147 airframe maintenance technician training program (See Figure 1). The sandbox allows students to drag-drop-connect components used in systems such as those found in aircraft. It allows them to ‘test-connect’ the components to get feedback on correct and incorrect ‘construction’. As shown in Figure 1, light green ‘hoses’ are correct supply connections, dark green are correct return connections and red are incorrect connections per established rules …

Xr In Aviation Training: Insight From Academia, Industry, And Non-Profit Institutions, Stephanie G. Fussell, Robert L. Thomas, Bejamin Kwasa, James Birdsong, Kurt Reesman, Lori Brow, Joel Scharlat, William T. Ballo

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on education and training. Institutions that relied heavily on face-to-face instruction suddenly needed alternative modalities to keep students on course, forcing educators and trainers to employ a variety of educational techniques via technologies that they may not have had experience with. This shift has brought the advantages – and disadvantages – of augmented, mixed, and virtual reality technologies (collectively, extended reality or XR) for education and training into sharp focus. Programs were quickly assembled, and not always with consideration of learning theories. As learning and training were resumed in in-person settings, academics and …

Technology-Enabled Active Learning In Gen Ed Courses, Emily Faulconer

Publications

Asynchronous online courses tend to lack a true “lecture”. In STEM, when communication of content engages students, learning is more effective.

Using Small Uas For Stem Education: Introducing Robotics And Mechatronics With Drones, Christian Janke, Kimberly Luthi, Stefan Kleinke, Yuetong Lin

Publications

Several global developments point to importance of STEM-related education and studies. Every industry sector faces challenges in the recruiting of qualified personnel, due to retiring employees and general economic growth. Also, several domains, foremost automotive and aviation are undergoing a tremendous shift towards electrification to achieve sustainability. Hence, sparking the interest in STEM studies, education and vocational training cannot start early enough. This paper introduces the benefits of the educational use of sUAS by identifying core benefits in the three domains of learning – cognitive, affective, psycho-motor. Preliminary data and survey results from from several science, technology, engineering and math …

Medium Altitude Long Endurance Rpa Training: Evaluating Blended Learning, Zachary Waller, Robert Stupnisky

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

The Heads Down Display (HDD) Menu Trainer – a stand-alone software trainer – was developed to familiarize students in Remotely Piloted Aircraft training with the layout and manipulation of the HDD menus for either the MQ-1 or MQ-9. Preliminary work by Waller et al. (2016) established the efficacy of the HDD Menu Trainer in improving student performance from pretest to posttest scores across several modalities (i.e. traditional, blended, and distance). Recognizing that students holding pilot certification scored higher in some aspects of the HDD Menu Trainer, this study sampled students across a curriculum to assess whether performance with the HDD …

Student Engagement In Aviation Massive Open Online Courses (Moocs), Jennifer M. Edwards, Haydee M. Cuevas, Felix Brito, Mark Friend, Maryjo O. Smith

Publications

As online training in the aviation industry continues to expand, understanding how learners engage in open online courses may help inform course design. Currently little is known about student engagement in aviation Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and more information is needed about those who utilize, but do not complete them. Datasets from two aviation MOOCs were cluster-analyzed to determine subpopulations based on activity (discussions, videos, quizzes). Differences were examined for days of activity and completion. Survey data revealed differences in demographics and learning goals. Three significantly different subgroups were found for each MOOC. Engagement patterns were similar between corresponding …

Design Science Research – Alternative Pathway For Aviation Training-Related Studies, Guilherme A. Da Silveira, Éder Henriqson

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Relevance is a permanent requirement of academic research, which means it is worth discussing methods and paradigms that provide the most useful outcomes to the most relevant problems, while maintaining rigor and criteria at a high level. The class of problems associated with aviation [pilot] training-related studies demands pragmatic solutions that are not always conspicuous from traditional qualitative or quantitative methods akin to the natural sciences. Hence, an interface between the natural and the artificial is required. The purpose of this theoretical essay is to review design science research (DSR) methodology, considering its applicability to aviation [pilot] training problems, thus, …

Interactive Modules For Flight Training: A Review, Stephanie G. Fussell, Robert Thomas

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

The use of animation and video, combined with auditory and text components, to teach complex subjects can be beneficial to deepen understanding. A review of the literature was conducted to better understand how interactive learning modules can give flight students tools to enhance the learning process outside of traditional instruction. Instructional theories and educational environments were considered through the lens of designing course content for flight students. Several research questions were asked to guide the course of the research, all focused on how students learn a complex subject matter using interactive material. Guidelines and principles are discussed to ensure the …

Digitalization Of Educational And Methodological Support For The Training Of Aviation Dispatchers, Zair Ziyaevich Shamsiev

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

The tasks of improving the educational process of training civil aviation dispatchers on the basis of the development and implementation of digital teaching aids are considered. Legislative and regulatory documents are accepted as an object of digitalization. The end result of the research is expressed in the provision of the educational process with a special electronic educational complex, which has the functions of providing the necessary information and conducting practical exercises to deepen, consolidate and control knowledge in the field of aviation documents.

Infusing Humanities In Stem Education: Student Opinions Of Disciplinary Connections In An Introductory Chemistry Course, Emily K. Faulconer, Beverly Wood, John C. Griffith

Publications

The Next Generation Science Standards and other educational reforms support the formation of deep connections across the STEM disciplines. Integrated STEM is considered as a best practice by the educational communities of the disparate disciplines. However, the integration of non-STEM disciplines is understudied and generally limited to the integration of art (STEAM). Humanistic STEM blends the study of STEM with interest in and concern for human affairs, welfare, values, or culture. This study looks at an infusion of the humanities into an online chemistry course to see if there is an influence on student connection between course content and cross-disciplinary …

Integrating The 1st Person View And The 3rd Person View Using A Connected Vr-Mr System For Pilot Training, Chang-Geun Oh Ph.D., Myunghoon Oh Ph.D.

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Many virtual reality (VR)-based flight simulation programs provide pilots the enhanced reality from the 1^st person-view to make themselves immersed in the cockpit. Using the VR simulations, pilots can take flight training in many challenging situations that are hard to create in real environments due to its natural entropy and safety concerns such as severe crosswind or engine fire. Mixed reality (MR) technology provides three-dimensional graphics so that users can effectively see all 360 degree-vertical and horizontal aspects of an object while they freely move around to see the graphics maintaining the consciousness of real space. Flight instructors may …

Preliminary Results Of A Study Investigating Aviation Students' Intentions To Use Virtual Reality For Flight Training, Stephanie G. Fussell

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Educators have incorporated technology into flight training for decades. These devices have increased in complexity since the Link trainers of the early 20^th century, resulting in aviation training devices, full flight simulators and other technologies currently used in flight training programs. Acceptance has also increased since developers shifted the design of video games to incorporate educational aspects as is demonstrated by the popularity of computer based training. Recently, educators have developed more immersive simulation technologies for training purposes such as virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR, AR, MR). Leveraging these technologies can positively impact learner motivation and skill acquisition …