Educational Technology Commons^™

Harnessing Neurodiversity And Artificial Intelligence In Education To Bridge The Cybersecurity Workforce Gap, George Antoniou

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

This perspective paper examines how neurodiversity and artificial intelligence (AI) can jointly address the critical workforce shortage in cybersecurity. Drawing on peer-reviewed research, industry reports, and case studies, it explores how neurodivergent individuals—such as those with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and dyslexia—possess strengths in pattern recognition, logical reasoning, and attention to detail that align with cybersecurity demands. AI-based educational tools, including adaptive tutoring systems, scenario-based simulations, and real-time analytics, can personalize learning for neurodiverse students, enhancing engagement and skill mastery. The paper discusses how these targeted interventions not only accelerate knowledge retention and practical competence but also foster greater inclusion …

Exploring The Efficacy Of The Comprehensive Institutional Model (Cim) In A Post-Covid-19 Hyflex Higher Education Environment: An Instrumental Case, Pamela Mccray

Theses & Dissertations

This instrumental case study examined the efficacy of the comprehensive institutional model, a pre-existing conceptual framework addressing the challenges of HyFlex teaching and learning in the post-COVID-19 environment at one private university in South Texas. The model was constructed using longitudinal data from a two-year pilot study (2021-2023) and focused on improving teaching effectiveness, investing in instructional technology and infrastructure, supporting graduate students’ academic needs, and executing institutional sustainability actions across three stakeholder groups: administrators, faculty, and graduate students. The study also addressed key gaps in the literature, including the lack of tested HyFlex models in real-world settings. A qualitative, …

The Digital Incorporated Worker Narrative: A Mixed Methods Study Of Digital Capital, Work Selection, And Outcomes In The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Tracie King

Dissertations

Digital technology permeates society and industry, making digital-ready workers necessary for firms of all sizes as a firm seeks competitiveness in the market (Bergson-Shilcock et al., 2023; de Ruyter et al., 2018; Gorski et al., 2022; Karaboğa, 2023; Kim et al., 2017; Qureshi Zia, 2019). Firms seeking digital-ready workers face a complex digital divide that creates a worker shortage (Bergson-Shilcock et al., 2023; Karaboğa, 2023; Qureshi Zia, 2019). This study aims to describe workers' work selection, work experience, and outcomes in a complex digital society.

Most digital divide research focuses on the individuals excluded from owning, accessing, and having skills …

Using Scaffolding, Gamification, And Self Awareness To Create Responsive Ux/Ui In Cad Software To Nurture Metacognition In Novice Users, Obed Ibrahim Gonzalez

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Computer-aided Design (CAD) software represents a significant shift from manual and analog design processes to digital workflows, offering substantial utility, accuracy, and productivity benefits. However, CAD software often presents a steep learning curve, particularly for novice users who are new to the software or possess only basic knowledge. Traditional CAD curricula have predominantly focused on technical problem-solving—teaching tools and systems—while often neglecting strategic knowledge that encompasses reflection, planning, and refining, which are essential components of metacognition. Metacognition is crucial for transforming novices into experts who use fewer and more complex commands, employ sophisticated planning, and achieve their goals more efficiently. …

Investigating Teacher Practice In Designing Educational Digital Games To Improve L2 Chinese Word Recognition Skills, Shutan Dong

Educational Studies Dissertations

This study explores the design strategies and pedagogical principles that shape digital games for developing second-language (L2) Chinese word recognition skills. Drawing on design documents, reflective journals, and design notes, it analyzes the game development process, the reasoning behind design choices, and their perceived effectiveness and challenges. The analysis is grounded in established game-based learning frameworks and second language acquisition theories. Findings reveal that the practitioner employs five design strategies: learning alignment, cultural contextualization, achievement mechanics, user-centric navigation, and functional aesthetics. These strategies are shaped by pedagogical principles, including scaffolding, multimodal learning, active learning and immediate feedback, as well as …

Supporting Novice Programmers With Scaffolded And Open-Ended Generative Ai Interfaces: Insights From A Design-Based Research Study, Justin Olmanson, Azadeh Hassani, Gretchen K. Larsen

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

In this study, we explore student experiences in coding and learning programming with scaffolded and unscaffolded generative AI interfaces. Specifically, we supported higher education students in using ChatGPT, an open ended interface for interacting with generative AI; and Giuseppe, a specialized interface with an OpenAI backend service that offers personalized supports specifically for helping students overcome early-stage challenges in learning to code, and working on education technology prototyping projects. This study contributes to the field by offering design insights for scaffolding initial learning interactions between generative AI interfaces and novice programmers. Our findings suggest that those new to coding welcome …

One-To-One Chromebook Best Practices In Secondary-Level English Language Arts Classrooms, Jonathan M. Cook

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This hermeneutic phenomenological study aims to examine the lived experiences of secondary-level English Language Arts (ELA) teachers to better understand what, if any, best practices exist for the use of one-to-one Chromebooks in these teachers’ classrooms. Seventeen participants agreed to be interviewed for this study. All participants had at least two years of teaching experience and at least two years of Chromebook experience. Interviews took place over Zoom and were digitally recorded. Five common themes emerged from these collected data: 1) the importance of training; 2) the frequently problematic oversight from administrators; 3) the overall lack of innovation in classroom …

Assessing Student Satisfaction Using Courses Generated By Artificial Intelligence, Althaf Hussain Kallamadugu

All Theses

This research explores the effectiveness of using Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated voice-over presentations as an alternative to traditional human-narrated lectures in online education. The study focuses on students preparing for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 exam for Commercial small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUASs). By comparing AI-generated lectures with human-narrated content, the research aims to assess the impact of AI on student satisfaction, engagement, and performance. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative analysis of exam scores and survey data with qualitative insights from student interviews. The methodology includes the creation of AI-generated voice-over presentations, survey distribution to both control …

Exploring Constructionist Pathways For Generative Ai In Education, Gretchen K. Larsen, Justin Olmanson, Azadeh Hassani

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

In this study, we aim to better understand the effects of generative AI within a constructionist learning design. We explore participants’ experiences in a graduate level course on Artificial Intelligence in Education, where generative AI is studied as: a cultural object to understand and critically evaluate, an interactive learning technology, and a creative material generator. Students explored AI in education via Python, philosophical and empirical scholarship, and generative AI. They applied this knowledge to the design and prototyping of a learning technology related to their professional backgrounds and interests. Methodologically, our study offers an ethnographic description of constructionist approaches to …

Learning Educational Technology Prototyping With Generative Ai, Justin Olmanson, Azadeh Hassani, Gretchen K. Larsen

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

In this study, we use ethnographic methods, grounded theory, and an iterative analytical approach to explore participant experiences and strategies for engaging generative AI in support of both learning how to prototype educational technologies and learning to code. We examine how ChatGPT and Giuseppe (a scaffolded co-coding interface of our own design) influence students’ approaches to prototyping and programming. This study contributes to the field by: identifying specific challenges and affordances of generative AI in prototyping and educational technology development contexts; and offering insights into how educators, students, and learning technology developers can integrate generative AI in formative educational technology …

Artificial Intelligence Through Young Eyes: A Study Of Students’ Perspectives And Experiences With Artificial Intelligence In Education, Chad Preston Salyer

Ed.D. Dissertations

Artificial intelligence was an emergent and powerful new force in education. The public release of ChatGPT 3.0 in 2022 transformed learning for many students. This phenomenological qualitative study sought to record and analyze student’s perspectives on the influence of artificial intelligence on their learning routines. This study collected data through surveys and interviews with undergraduate students, analyzing patterns of artificial intelligence usage, perceived benefits, and challenges. The findings revealed that most students used artificial intelligence as a primary learning tool and that those students viewed artificial intelligence as beneficial for personalized learning and skill development. However, concerns about over-reliance on …

Beyond The Flow: A Critical Examination Of Engagement And Learning Outcomes In Game-Based Learning Through Bibliometric And Manual Literature Analysis, Daniel Ray Singletary

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the role of flow in game‐based learning and compares the effects of continuous flow states with those produced by structured cognitive interruptions. The research combines a bibliometric analysis of 2,466 peer‐reviewed articles (2004–2024) with a manual review of 106 studies using a custom Flow‐Impact Analysis Framework (FIAF). This framework was developed specifically for the review and may assist future investigations into flow in game‐based learning. FIAF categorizes studies based on how they define flow, the instruments used for its measurement, and the links between flow and cognitive, affective, and behavioral learning outcomes.

Findings show that most research …

Exploring Factors That Increase Self-Efficacy In Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (Stem) In Elementary Student Populations, Gina Kwid

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores gender and racial-minority perceptions that enhance self-efficacy in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among elementary student populations using a mixed methods approach. Quantitative data were collected from 61 fifth grade students at a public charter school in Idaho through surveys. Qualitative data were gathered through interviews, observations, and field notes with 13 students, 2 teachers, and 7 parents to identify key themes. The study researches the constructs of family support, engagement and participation in STEM activities, and students’ perceived long-term value of STEM learning as key factors in developing self-efficacy. Despite increasing awareness of the need …

Secondary Public School Teachers' Perception On Professional Learning Experiences That Influence Their Beliefs And Feelings Of Ease With Integrating Technology, Daquita Pounds

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to examine secondary teachers’ perceptions on the role of others and the role of their professional learning experiences as influencing factors on their belief in their ability to and feelings of ease with integrating technology. A basic qualitative design is used for the current study. A total of six secondary, in-service teachers provided evidence for this study across a total of three semi-structured interviews that occurred during the second semester of the 2023-2024 academic school year. The teachers in this study were given the opportunity to share how they selected their learning experiences for technology integration …

Teacher Motivations To Voluntarily Participate In K-12 Microlearning Professional Development: A Mixed Methods Study, Mary-Elizabeth Lubeskie

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Professional development (PD) is crucial for improving teaching effectiveness, but state mandates and traditional models often fail to engage teachers by meeting their diverse needs, fitting into busy schedules, offering choices, or fostering meaningful instructional changes. The mixed methods study addresses this gap by investigating the specific motivations of K-12 public school teachers to voluntarily engage in microlearning professional development (mLPD) as an alternative to traditional PD approaches. Guided by Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Adult Learning Theory (ALT), the research examines how intrinsic and extrinsic motivations influence participation, exploring the appeal of microlearning’s brevity, relevance, and autonomy. Quantitative data from …

Engaging Future Engineers: Utilizing Ai-Generated Video To Promote The Chemical Engineering Profession, Madeline G. Mondebello

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

The expected incline of the chemical engineering profession faces a growing need to attract the next generation of prospective students. This research explores the use of artificial intelligence (AI) software to create an innovative form of media fit for secondary school and early college outreach. The pre- and post-video questionnaires were taken by a voluntary population comprised of high school students, college students, and parents. Overall, the feedback received was generally positive but indicated that the AI avatars and the lip-sync discrepancies may disrupt the video more than enhance it. In the future, a larger population will be surveyed to …

Virtual Reality And Nursing Education: A Randomized Control Trial Of The Effectiveness Of Virtual Reality As A Simulation Modality, David R. Haigh

Dissertations

Virtual Reality (VR) is an emerging technology being utilized in educational and professional training in fields such as engineering, heavy industry, and the military. VR also has the potential to be utilized in pre-licensing nursing education; however, nursing programs have been slow to adopt VR as a simulation modality to train pre-licensed nurses in clinical skills. As such, there is a lack of research on the effectiveness of VR training in critical skills that nurses will utilize in clinical settings. This research is vital because utilizing VR as a training tool can reduce the time and cost of preparing nurses …

Informal Social Media Activities In Online Learning Fostering A Sense Of Community Through Instagram, Hajeen Choi, Yujin Park, Charles Xiaoxue

School of Engineering Faculty Publications

A sense of community positively relates to students’ engagement, increasing learning and satisfaction. Previous studies on the sense of community have focused on academic interactions. This study investigates the potential for enhancing the sense of community among online learners through informal social media activities. A total of 20 undergraduate students completed surveys and participated in three-week Instagram activities. The study revealed the potential to foster students’ sense of community by incorporating informal social media activities into online learning.

Exploring Educational Affordances Of Interactive Murals, Alyshia Bustos

Computer Science ETDs

Interactive murals are a new technology that blend traditional mural painting and embedded electronics. My work contrasts traditional STEAM projects by introducing youth to programming, building electronics, and interaction design principles within the context of designing and constructing interactive murals. Accordingly my dissertation addresses the following: 1) How can we integrate traditional mural practices and ubiquitous computing in an interactive mural, 2) How do interactive murals support youth in learning how to program and build electronics, and 3) How can we design learning activities that support youth as interaction designers?

To address my research questions, I first conducted technical tests …

Enhancing A Culture Of Stem Attitude And Learner Outcomes Through Design Thinking And Coding With Robotics: A Mixed Methods Study In Fifth Grade Education, Nicole R. Sarty

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Design Thinking (DT) is human-centered, multidisciplinary, and part of the constructivist theory of learning. Using DT in the classroom requires students to explore, collaborate, and communicate with others. Applying DT strategies to authentic real-world robotics projects can increase learner outcomes and improve the STEM attitude in a classroom. This study tested if using real-world coding projects with design thinking strategies in the general education classroom led to an increase in STEM attitude and learner outcomes. Fifth grade curriculum was integrated directly into the classroom with two authentic real-world coding projects allowing for a deeper understanding of content, making this study …

Harnessing The Affordances Of Whatsapp For Online Learning, Ogbonnaya B. Akpa

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The perennial problem of inadequate funding of public universities in Nigeria hinders their ability to implement online learning using conventional platforms and tools. Educators are compelled to explore alternatives for the cost-effective implementation of online learning. WhatsApp is a tool faculty and students at universities in Nigeria already use, which may be adopted for online learning implementation. This study used a mixed-methods approach to investigate the usefulness of WhatsApp for online learning as perceived by faculty members and students at a Nigerian public university.

Findings of the study revealed that both students and faculty members perceived WhatsApp as a highly …

School-Based Agricultural Educators’ Educational Technology Integration Self-Efficacy And Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge: A Relational Study, Macey Kleinjan, Brooke L. Thiel, Adam Marx

Journal of Research in Technical Careers

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between school-based agricultural education (SBAE) teacher Technological Content Knowledge, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, and Technological Pedagogical Knowledge and teachers’ technology integration self-efficacy through the use of TPACK and the Intrapersonal Technology Integration Scale (ITIS). In-service SBAE teachers from four upper-Midwest states were surveyed to assess their current self-efficacy related to the integration and utilization of the educational technology available in their classroom and curriculum. According to the findings of this study, SBAE teachers are using educational technology in their classrooms and curriculum daily but are only slightly confident in their ability …

Data Package Supporting Research On Personalized Learning Path Problem Derived From The Cognitive Theory Of Multimedia Learning, Sean A. Mochocki, Mark Reith

Faculty Publications

Personalized Learning Paths (PLP)s are sequences of learning materials and activities that are designed to deliver personalized education to students. Unfortunately, PLPs are often defined and implemented based on faulty cognitive science practices. The PLP research community may benefit from a problem domain and data set that is derived from a scientifically supported cognitive science discipline. This data is published to support the paper, “A Two-Stage Multi-Objective Personalized Learning Path Problem Based on the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning.” This data set includes the data used in this paper, the questionnaire used to gather learner profile data, and the python …

Teacher Support And Professional Development Needs In A New Virtual Academy, Joshua Young

All Dissertations

ABSTRACT

As the need for virtual learning options for K-12 public students rapidly grew in large part as a response to COVID-19, Foothills Virtual Academy^[1] (FVA) has developed as an option for online learning for students enrolled in the School District of Foothills County^[2] (SDFC), a district of approximately 16,000 students located in South Carolina. This educational program offers families the option for their students to become full-time virtual students while still remaining enrolled as a student in SDFC. This program features instructional programs specifically tailored for each age and grade level and features a mixture of synchronous …

“I Have Returned Home”: Understanding The Re-Entry Experience Of Saudi Female Scholars After Completing Their Doctoral Studies In The United States, Hajer Asiri

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The experiences of Saudi female scholars returning from abroad remain underexplored. This study investigates how Saudi women in higher education institutions readjust and reintegrate into professional and cultural environments after completing doctoral studies in the United States. Using a narrative approach informed by transformational learning theory (TLT), it examines reverse culture shock and the coping mechanisms employed by these women. Five female participants from various Saudi institutions were interviewed in semi-structured sessions lasting 30 to 60 minutes. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: Cultural Readjustment, Professional Reintegration, Family and Social Dynamics, Personal Transformation, and Coping Strategies. The findings underscore the …

High School Teachers' Perspectives On The Components Of A Quality Online Structure For Remote Learning In Digital And Media Art Classes, James E. Marone

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study was that there were inconsistencies in the research literature and a gap in practice regarding teachers' perspectives on the components of a quality online structure in a digital and media art class during the post-COVID-19 era. Despite evidence of the benefits of remote learning, there was a gap concerning implementation of improved quality online structures. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of digital and media art teachers on their needs for a quality online learning structure in the post-COVID-19 era. The conceptual framework was Davis’s technology acceptance model. …

Faculty Perceptions Of Using Technology To Facilitate Virtual Debriefing In Graduate Health Sciences Education, Kelly Anne Chamberlain Layne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Simulation, with face-to-face debriefing, has been widely used in occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) education to provide realistic experiences for students without harming clients. However, researchers have not studied technology acceptance by graduate entry-level (EL) OT and PT faculty with virtual debriefing. Virtual debriefing has become more common in recent years; thus, it is essential for universities to understand faculty adoption of this effective teaching and learning technology. Guided by the technology acceptance model framework of Gu et al., the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore faculty perceptions of using technology to facilitate virtual debriefing …

To Post Or Not To Post, That Is The Discussion: An Exploration Of Students’ Perceptions And Experiences With Using Online Collaboration Tools In Threaded Discussion Board Postings, Sherietta Farron Lane

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed methods action research study was to explore how instructor presence, cognitive presence, and social presence impact students' perceptions and experiences when interacting, communicating, and collaborating in asynchronous discussions and collaborative activities during an introductory-level English literature course at a Southern career college. Online courses can create a sense of isolation due to a lack of student-to-student or student-to-instructor interaction. Discussion forums are a key communication tool to foster interaction in online courses. This action research focused on three questions: (1) How does the use of selected collaboration tools impact students’ perceptions of instructor presence in …

Targeting The Country: Exploring The Technology Integration Practices Of World Language Teachers In Rural Georgia, Shannon Borum

Theses and Dissertations

Technology integration affords World Language teachers opportunities to engage with the target language and cultures in a way previously unknown, yet world language teachers in Georgia’s rural high schools have inconsistent integration of technology into their teaching practices. The study was guided by two research questions regarding (1) the current technology integration practices of world language teachers in rural Georgia high schools for communicative language teaching, and (2) the influences the decisions of world language teachers in rural Georgia high schools to integrate technology in their communicative language teaching. The purpose of this action research was to describe how high …

Enhancing Skin Cancer Literacy Amongst Young Adults: A Digital Design, Katherine Stoll

Honors Projects

The skin plays a vital role in protection, regulation, and homeostasis of the human body. Skin cancer, despite being mostly preventable, is one of the most common cancers. Young adults, ages 18 to 25, are vulnerable targets due to risky behaviors and misinformation regarding skin cancer. This project was designed by using digital media and website design to enhance skin cancer health literacy among young adults. Using a systematic literature review and research methods, an interactive website was designed to improve skin cancer health literacy and eliminate common misconceptions. The topics addressed throughout the website were the biological factors of …