Higher Education Commons^™

Deep Learning-Based Crop And Weed Detection System For Precision Agriculture: Binary And Multiclass Classification Approaches, Ivan A. Velo Castaneda

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

As global food demand increases and environmental concerns grow, improving weed management has become essential for sustainable agriculture. Weeds significantly reduce crop yields, and traditional control methods often depend on widespread herbicide application, increasing costs and ecological impact. This study explores the use of deep learning to improve crop-versus-weed detection and multi-species weed classification, supporting more precise and efficient agricultural practices. The research utilizes two publicly available datasets from Kaggle: one for binary crop-versus-weed classification and another covering 12 weed species. Four preprocessing techniques (Baseline, Region of Interest (ROI), CLAHE, and ROI + CLAHE) were implemented to enhance plant features …

Ai In The Classroom, Dr. Adrian E. Hinkle, Dr. Amanda Wilson, Dr. Jan H. R. Wörner

Faculty Presentations on AI

This presentation examines how educators can thoughtfully integrate artificial intelligence into the classroom while upholding academic integrity, ethical engagement, and the core mission of education. It draws on historical parallels—from ancient concerns about writing to later fears surrounding typing—to frame AI as a double-edged sword that can offload routine cognitive tasks yet risks eroding the mental discipline and critical thinking essential for deep learning. Centered on the guiding question of what students truly need to learn and how technology can help them achieve it, the session offers practical assignment frameworks, such as designing an AI-supported ministry plan and developing a …

Book Review: Teaching With Ai: A Practical Guide To A New Era Of Human Learning, 2nd Edition By José Antonio Bowen & C. Edward Watson, Jordan O'Connell

Essays in Education

This book review examines Bowen and Watson’s second edition of Teaching with AI, which argues that higher education must treat AI as an artificial general disruptor of cognitive labor. Moving past handwringing and handwaving, the authors press faculty toward design decisions that make judgment, standards, and integrity visible again. Their warnings about detection are timely, but the book is ultimately forward-looking: AI can widen feedback, clarify expectations, and make redesign work practical at scale. Although the book avoids discipline-specific exemplars, it makes a clear case that the issues facing colleges and universities lie deeper than AI—and that AI can …

The Effectiveness Of Virtual Reality And Augmented Reality-Based Simulation On Healthcare Students' Learning-A Review Of The Literature, Matthew Mills

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Simulation is increasingly used to supplement authentic clinical experiences in preparation for future healthcare students. However, the most realistic simulation experiences are frequently costly, time-intensive, and difficult to scale, especially for programs with budgetary restrictions. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have been proposed as easily scalable tools to provide students with a realistic simulated environment. However, as technology is rapidly evolving, there is a need to understand the evidence surrounding VR and AR's impact on healthcare student learning to optimize the deployment of these technologies and justify the costs associated with implementation. Methods: A review of the …

National Physical Therapy Examination Scores From 2023 And 2024 Cohorts In The United States, Richard Cahanin, James W. Farris, Tara Andrews, Preston Warren, Jennifer Patterson, Shawn Drake, Barry Dale

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study aimed to determine which student academic performance variables within physical therapy education programs most strongly predicted NPTE scores. Methods: A prospective, multi-institutional cohort study with 228 doctoral physical therapy students representing the 2023 and 2024 cohorts was conducted. Hierarchical multiple linear regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to evaluate research hypotheses. Results: No significant difference in NPTE scores between the 2023 and 2024 cohorts was found (p = .936). A streamlined model identified 2-year DPT GPA (p < .001), total PEAT score (p = .004), and total GRE score (p = .046) as the most significant …

The Effect Of Debriefing Following A Computer-Based Low-Fidelity Simulation On The Self-Efficacy Of Health Professions Students: A Randomized Cross-Over Control Study, Matthew Mills, Enrico Gandolfi, Richard E. Ferdig, Kimberly Peer

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Simulations have been increasingly used in health science education to supplement clinical experience. There is evidence of the benefits of high-fidelity simulation (HFS) with debriefing, but HFS is costly and time-intensive to administer. Low-fidelity simulation (LFS) has been proposed as an alternative that is easier to scale and more cost-effective; however, the evidence surrounding its impact on students is mixed, possibly because debriefing is frequently omitted in LFS. Methods: A randomized experimental mixed methods cross-over control study was performed to evaluate the impact of a structured debriefing session following an interactive computer-based low-fidelity simulation on the self-efficacy and anxiety …

Tools For Inclusive Practices In Higher Education Content Courses: A Faculty's Search For Solutions, Deborah Pfeifer, Sharon Graham

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Making sure the needs of both native speakers and English Language Learners (ELLs) are being met in university content courses can be a balancing act, especially during times when traditional campus resources may not be available due to budget constraints. This project explores preferences faculty have for fulfillment of unmet needs.

Faculty Development Update, March 2026, Lindenwood University

Faculty Development Update

The Faculty Development Update is a newsletter created by the Lindenwood University Learning Academy.

Trail To Classroom: Digitizing Rocky Mountain Landscapes With 360 Video, Hanna Fontes

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Immersive media technologies are increasingly used in science education, yet they are often positioned as tools for passive observation rather than relational engagement. This qualitative study examines the use of 360-degree video as a relational, place-based pedagogical tool in learning. Using immersive landscape recordings from Rocky Mountain National Park, this research explores how 360-degree video can support student connection, empathy, and a sense of belonging to place. Learning activities were designed to prompt sensory observation, reflection, and meaning-making, encouraging students to engage emotionally and cognitively with the landscape rather than viewing it as a detached object of study. Data sources …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Black Women In Undergraduate Stem Core Expansion Pathways, Lizzie L. Evans Martinez Alvarez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The use of social incongruence in the film Hidden Figures, which juxtaposed with STEM education as the most powerful in contrast with Black women as the least powerful, supported the argument for the specific problem of practice to examine the unmet need for socially and ethnically diverse student populations in U.S. STEM higher education and careers. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological research study was to identify and analyze the lived experiences of Black women regarding barriers they perceive in the STEM educational and career decision-making processes, while exploring transformational pathways to STEM academic success. The study specifically analyzed …

The Impact Of Academic Service Learning On Community Self-Service Efficacy: An Exploratory Study Of Four Ethical Types, Niall Hegarty, John Angelidis

Journal of Research Initiatives

Academic Service-Learning (ASL) literature reveals that most studies assume students are a homogeneous whole and thus draw overly-generalized conclusions regarding students perceived self-service efficacy as well as their disposition towards future service. To rectify this problem, this study utilizes Forsyth’s (1980) conceptual model of two dimensions, idealism and relativism, to categorize students into four categories: situationists (n=53), subjectivists (n=34), absolutists (43), and exceptionists (n=52). These students (n=182) were measured on the Community Service Self-Efficacy Scale (CSSES) before and after participating in an ASL project. The CSSES, developed by Reeb et al. (1998), measures an individual’s confidence that their service efforts …

Women’S Agency And Pleasure (Wap): Toward A Black Feminist Theory Of Sexuality, Jelisa S. Clark, Erica Campbell

Journal of Research Initiatives

Black feminist theory has identified sexuality as a site of oppression for Black women, however, there has been limited attention to Black women’s pleasure. We suggest that WAP by Cardi B and Meg the Stallion provides a conceptual lens through which Black women's sexuality can be more humanely envisioned. WAP, in the tradition established by Black women in the blues, represents Black feminist theorizing about sexuality. Themes of Cultivating Community and Developing Voice through Self-Definition are central to discussions of Black women's pleasure. In this work, we bridge academic theorizing and Black women's cultural productions to reinvigorate Black feminist theorizing …

A Word From The Writing Team (March 2026), Pam Walter, Mfa, Laura Deloretta, Phd

A Word From the Writing Team (Newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Science Accessibility And Engagement For Students With Visual Impairments: A Randomized Trial Of The Talking Labquest In Nigerian Schools, Sariat A. Adelakun Dr

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Students with Blindness in Nigeria are often erroneously perceived as incapable of engaging with science at the basic education level, contributing to their low enrolment in science-related careers. Although various techniques and materials have been proposed to support students with blindness in science, many lack empirical validation. This study investigated one such approach by examining the impact of the Talking LabQuest on the interest of Students with blindness in science subjects.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in inclusive junior secondary schools in Nigeria, involving 20 classrooms over an 18-week period. Twelve classrooms were randomly assigned to the intervention group, …

An Undergraduate Chemistry Experiment Integrating Theoretical And Practical Aspects Of Hypervalent Iodine(I) Compounds, Vladimir L. Kolesnichenko, Galina Z. Goloverda

Faculty and Staff Publications

A simple reaction sequence has been developed to produce iodine chloride-pyridine (PyICl) and pyridinium dichloroiodate (PyHICl2), convenient iodinating agents, in a high yield. Our approach is safe and simple to handle, avoiding the use of elemental chlorine or hazardous manipulations. Designed for an upper-level undergraduate hybrid lecture/lab chemistry course, the experiment integrates key concepts from both inorganic and organic chemistry. The pre-experiment lecture explains the connections between molecular structure, reactivity trends, and reaction types. Over three 4 h lab sessions, students carry out a sequence of quantitative transformations and characterize each intermediate and the final product using ESI mass spectrometry, …

Zooming Into Success: Collaborative Virtual Spaces For Dissertation Research And Pedagogy In Higher Education, Stephanie L. Brooke

International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Dissertation students face numerous challenges, including narrowing down research topics, managing scholarly writing, and overcoming writer’s block. This article explores the creation and piloting of collaborative virtual spaces designed to support dissertation mentees in their academic journey. Through this project, three distinct virtual spaces emerged, each addressing specific student needs: emotional support, academic writing, and research alignment. The development of these spaces was influenced by theory as well as workplace cultural initiatives in an online program for dissertation mentoring. Creating these collaborative virtual spaces based on student needs led to transformative best practices in virtual learning environments. This method provides …

Ai In Scholarship, Dr. Tim Hart

Faculty Presentations on AI

This presentation explores the appropriate role of artificial intelligence in scholarly work, distinguishing between uses that support academic rigor and those that undermine intellectual responsibility. While cautioning against reliance on AI for original argumentation, unverified literature reviews, data interpretation, and normative judgments, it highlights practical applications across the research lifecycle, including ideation, literature exploration, argument refinement, structural analysis, reviewer simulation, and manuscript preparation.

Pedagogy On Teaching A Totally Blind Student Physical & Historical Geology & Labs, Kenneth R. Neuhauser

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Teaching the salient points of both physical and historical geology and labs to a totally blind student was accomplished through pre-planning, extra staff, daily preparation, low-cost supplies, teamwork, and at times ‘on-the-spot’ creativity.

2025 And 2026 - Faculty & Staff Research Symposium - Mini, Elizabeth Outka, Lidia Radi

Faculty and Staff Research Symposium Programs

September 26, 2025; November 7, 2025; January 20, 2026; and, February 20, 2026

[Excerpt from the "Welcome"]

"Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to the Faculty and Staff Mini-Symposia Series!

As we gather for the fourth and final installment of this year’s Mini-Symposia Series, we are delighted to continue this new chapter of the Faculty and Staff Research Symposium, building on the extraordinary enthusiasm of the past two years. What began as a single day of conversation and exchange has grown into a cycle of events designed to highlight the intellectual and creative work of our community in even more accessible and collaborative …

Collaborative Learning In Clinical Education As A Catalyst To Support Foundational Professional Competencies In Speech-Language Pathology: A Theoretical Framework, Lori-Ann Ferraro

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

As a part of every speech-language pathology graduate program in the US, clinical education is an integral and required element for both academic accreditation and the eventual clinical certification for students. Clinical education is significantly important when considering overall educational models because it is an aspect of a student’s education that contributes to their ability to make connections between what is learned in the classroom and its real-world clinical application while contributing to the acquisition of competencies. The 2:1 collaborative learning model is supported by sound learning theories and evidence from the literature. A theoretical framework was created to demonstrate …

Developing Critical Thinking Skills In Undergraduate Csd Students Through A Case Study Project, Lydia R. Kruse, Windi Krok

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Critical thinking skills are crucial for Speech-Language Pathologists to effectively assess, diagnose, and treat communication disorders. However, the optimal timing for teaching these skills to future clinicians remains an open question. Most of the current research is focused on developing critical thinking skills in graduate students, though there is some evidence to suggest that students should be working to develop critical thinking skills during their undergraduate education. This work describes the critical thinking skills demonstrated by undergraduate students in a Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD program) through a case study project, as well as their self-perceptions. Results indicate relative weakness …

From West Virginia To The World: Strategies For Digital And Archival Recovery, Sarah S. Walton

Feminist Pedagogy

No abstract provided.

The Adultspan Journal Fellowship Program: A Structured Mentorship Experience, Lauren B. Robins, Natese R. Dockery, Courtney T.K. Chester, Crystal Morris, Teah Moore, Zoey Liu, Kaprea F. Johnson

Adultspan Journal

This qualitative study used reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) to explore how the Adultspan Journal Fellowship Program, a structured, cohort-based mentorship initiative, supports the development of doctoral students and early-career counselor educators. Grounded in Social Learning Theory, the program integrates hands-on journal management, guided peer review, collaborative writing, and monthly didactic sessions within multi-layered mentorship. Data from asynchronous email interviews and document analysis with seven fellows across two cohorts (2022–2024) yielded four themes: (1) Cultivating Belonging Through Structured Mentorship, highlighting affirming guidance that reduced isolation and built peer networks; (2) Building Confidence and Professional Identity, reflecting growth in …

Face And Content Validation Analysis Of The Professional Pain Preparation Questionnaire For Use In Physical Therapist Education, Rodiel Kirby Baloy

Journal of Innovation in Health Sciences Education

Introduction: Physical therapy educational preparation for the management of individuals in pain may be determined based on the themes of: (1) level of academic preparation, (2) educational hours spent studying pain, including postgraduate training and certification, and (3) clinical experience. This study assessed the face and content validity of a tool, the Professional Pain Preparation Questionnaire (PPP-Q), to assess expert perception as to the value and relevance of each of the identified domains.

Methods: Twelve respondents were enlisted for face validity, and five experts were recruited for content validity. Descriptive statistics, specifically frequency and percentage, were used to describe …

Fostering Psychological Ownership And Self-Authorship In Higher Education: Pathways To Student Engagement, Growth And Knowledge Creation, Noora Heino, Markku Ikävalko, Anssi Tarkiainen, Terhi Virkki-Hatakka

International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

This study explores the intersection of psychological ownership (PO) and self-authorship (SA) in the context of university students’ project-based learning. It examines how students develop a sense of ownership over their course projects, ideas, and knowledge they create, and how this engagement shapes their learning, identity, and sense of self. The findings highlight the role of control and perceived idea quality in fostering psychological ownership, as well as the importance of intimate knowledge and perceived object quality in supporting self-authorship. The study underscores that when students feel connected to their ideas, their motivation, persistence, and engagement increase, especially in creativity-driven …

Cybersecurity In Higher Education Institutions: Awareness, Policy, And Experience On Employee Behaviour, Abdullahi Abiodun Yusuf, Adriana A. Steyn

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

The digital transformation of higher education institutions (HEIs) has introduced unprecedented connectivity and operational efficiency, but it has also heightened their exposure to cyber threats. South African HEIs, in particular, face increasing vulnerability due to their reliance on technology, openness, and diverse user communities. This study examines the influence of the institutional cybersecurity environment on employee cybersecurity-compliant behaviour (CCB), emphasising the critical roles of awareness, policy engagement, and experience. Drawing on Protection Motivation Theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour, a conceptual model was developed to explore how cybersecurity awareness, policy familiarity, and prior experience shape employees’ attitudes, subjective norms, …

Experiential Learning Through Electric Vehicle Design Using Lego Technics Parts, Abdullah Amin

High-Impact Experiential Learning in Practice: Pedagogical Essays Guided by the PIRA Framework

Abdullah Al Amin is an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

This reflection presents a Lego Technics-based electric vehicle design project that connects mechanics, materials, and fatigue analysis through hands-on prototyping and PIRA-aligned assessment.

Walking The Earthworks: Indigenous Literature, Place, And Embodied Learning, Tereza M. Szeghi

High-Impact Experiential Learning in Practice: Pedagogical Essays Guided by the PIRA Framework

Tereza Szeghi is a professor in the Department of English.

This essay examines a place-based experiential learning trip to the Newark Earthworks that integrates Indigenous literature, guided immersion, student reflection, and assessment using the PIRA framework.

Community, Art, And Hope: Writing, Public Humanities, And Community-Engaged Learning In East Dayton, Maureen (Molly) Keane-Sexton

High-Impact Experiential Learning in Practice: Pedagogical Essays Guided by the PIRA Framework

Maureen (Molly) Keane-Sexton is a principal lecturer in the Department of English.

This reflection documents a community-engaged partnership with the Mosaic Institute in East Dayton, where students created public art while applying writing instruction, Catholic Social Teaching, and PIRA-guided reflection.

Ethical Community Engagement And Leadership Development In A Community-Partnered Course, Joy Kadowaki

High-Impact Experiential Learning in Practice: Pedagogical Essays Guided by the PIRA Framework

Joy Kadowaki is an associate professor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work.

This essay describes a semester-long, community-partnered leadership project in which students collaborated with Five Oaks residents to co-create neighborhood storytelling tools grounded in ethical community engagement and PIRA.