Online and Distance Education Commons^™

Spring 2025 Introduction, Nichelle Frank

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Access the online Pressbooks version of this introduction here.

An introduction to the Spring 2025 issue of the Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence.

Full Issue: Journal On Empowering Teaching Excellence, Volume 9, Issue 1, Spring 2025

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

The full-length Spring 2025 issue (Volume 9, Issue 1) of the Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Access the online Pressbooks version (with downloadable EPUB format) here.

The issue includes five articles addressing challenges in higher education: faculty-student interactions with Generation Z students, experiences of first-generation single-mother college students, implementation of an interdisciplinary museum studies course, guidance for creating educational videos, and a book review on resistance to change in higher education. The journal emphasizes practical strategies for effective teaching, inclusivity, and innovative approaches to pedagogy across various educational contexts.

Call For Manuscripts, Michele J. Koomen, Thomastine Sarchet-Maher, Jessica Williams

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

No abstract provided.

Call For Manuscripts, Michele J. Koomen, Thomastine Sarchet-Maher, Jessica Williams

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

No abstract provided.

From The Editors, Michele J. Koomen, Thomastine Sarchet-Maher, Jessica Williams

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

JSESD remains a venue for the dissemination of research and practice related to the education of students with disabilities in the science classroom and laboratory since 1998. Volumes #1 through 11 were published in a print format. Starting with Volume #12, the journal has been published online and Open Access. Having JSESD in the Open Access format maximizes access for readers and authors and allows the journal to remain economically sustainable.

Copyright, Michele J. Koomen, Thomastine Sarchet-Maher, Jessica Williams

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

No abstract provided.

Remote Teaching During A Pandemic, Jennifer B. Sample

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

No abstract provided.

Cultivating A Sense Of Belonging: Pathways Of Support In Higher Education, Tanya M. Tarbutton, Lori B. Doyle

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

Institutions should proactively consider the need for cultivating a sense of belonging among online adult students with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Hispanic and first-generation learners face unique challenges to overcoming potential barriers associated with obtaining an advanced degree. The impact of higher education institutions (HEI) on the overall development and betterment of society cannot be overstated which adds a level of importance regarding the experience of all learners from any context. A conceptual framework, based on research specific to supporting diverse learners, will be explored. In addition to drawing on the tenets of the sense of belonging framework, facets of …

A Phenomenological Study Of Motivation In Online Learners And Its Relationship To Self-Awareness, Curtiss Davis

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The following study was an examination of the phenomenon of cognizance and how it impacts motivation in online learners. Cognizance is generally described as a sense of self-awareness. This qualitative study employed hermeneutic phenomenology to find the essence of awareness through the lived experience of individuals. Nine online learners were interviewed to explore whether they were influenced by the awareness of motivators such as inspiration, interest and/ or metacognition. The goal of this research was to explore whether the phenomenon of motivational awareness is a common trait among successful online learners and whether it has the potential to improve engagement …

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, …

2025 Nsu Graduate Commencement Program, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Commencement Programs

May 9, 2025

• Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy
• Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine
• College of Dental Medicine
• College of Optometry
• Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences

May 15, 2025

• Shepard Broad College of Law
• Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

2025 Nsu Undergraduate Commencement Program, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Commencement Programs

May 5, 2025

• Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center
• Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice
• College of Psychology
• H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship
• Shepard Broad College of Law

May 6, 2025

• Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences
• Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing

Learning Through Online Participation: From Breakout Rooms To Discord, Makayla Moster

All Dissertations

For software development teams, teamwork is an essential part of their day-to-day lives. However, due to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, more companies have allowed employees to have more hybrid and remote work options than before. As more companies are adopting hybrid and remote workstyles, we need to ensure that we are preparing the next batch of young software developers to conduct teamwork in remote and hybrid settings. In this dissertation, I address the tools students use for teamwork and how to improve their teamwork inside and outside of the classroom. I present my research on improving student experiences …

An Exploratory Study Of Using Transformative Pedagogy To Teach Towards Social Justice In Face-To-Face And Online Classrooms, Alison Berk

Graduate Theses & Dissertations

As colleges simultaneously vie for students during a recent enrollment dip and try to accommodate the overall historically high national rate of college enrollment, (National Student Clearing House, 2022), and as most Americans experience identity-based tension (Horowitz, et al., 2019), it is essential that colleges and instructors ask themselves how they can create accessible, meaningful and authentic opportunities for individuals to critically examine their communities and the systems in which they live. Developing this kind of critical consciousness provides both ideological and practical positive outcomes for students and institutions alike (Carter, 2008; Diemer et al., 2014; El-Amin, et al., 2017; …

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.

Student Performance And Course Modality: The Relationship Between Outcomes, Modality, And Course Subject, Olivia Baxley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study was to identify if a significant relationship existed between teaching modality and student performance outcomes while also considering the factor of course subject being taught during the 2021-2023 academic years. Three courses were included in the research: Math 1630 Finite Mathematics, English 1010 Composition I, and Biology 1110 General Biology. Each of the three courses are introductory level courses in the math, English, and science subject. The study also included statistical analysis on gender as related to student performance outcomes.

The findings presented of this research showed a significant relationship between teaching modality and …

Offering A Manufacturing Curriculum Online To Rural Schools: The Case Of The Nimm Project, Raymond A. Dixon, Farjahan Shawon

Journal of Research in Technical Careers

This case study examined the extent to which the two implemented manufacturing pathways of the NIMM project successfully facilitated access and engaged high school students from rural regions in two manufacturing curricula. The program consisted of two tracks or career pathways for manufacturing technicians: Mechanical CADD technician and Electro-Mechanical technician. The Mechanical CADD program was delivered online, and the Electro-Mechanical program was delivered online and through a summer skills academy. Findings include, students showed less preference for CTE manufacturing courses in an online asynchronous format, CTE instructors need to be trained to teach online, proper IT infrastructure is needed for …

Exploring The Pedagogical Impact Of Software Development Live Streams: Informal Learning Opportunities For Software And Game Developers, Ella Kokinda

All Dissertations

Live streaming is an increasingly popular medium for throwing back the curtain on software development where streamers and viewers share their knowledge and experiences. Popular platforms like Twitch and YouTube enable developers to stream live coding sessions where people around the world can engage in real-time collaboration, feedback, knowledge sharing, and skill development. This work investigates the pedagogical implications and learning opportunities present in software and game development live streaming while focusing on the role of streaming as a learning environment and collaborative community. We begin by exploring summer camps as an informal learning opportunity for STEM education, highlighting the …

A Phenomenological Study Examining The Experiences Of Instructors Who Teach Undergraduate Students With Disabilities, Nakiya Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to investigate the experiences of instructors who teach undergraduate students with a documented disability and receive accommodations through the Office of Accessibility and Disability. The theory guiding this study was Noddings’ theory on ethical care as it details how caring is an integral part of the role that both online instructors and those who teach in traditional classrooms play in the lives of their college students. This study sought to understand the effect of caring in the retrieval of accommodations for students with disabilities. This qualitative study utilized questionnaires, interviews, and participant …

Grading Of Discussion Boards In Asynchronous Higher Education Courses And Its Effect On Social Presence: A Causal-Comparative Study, Heather Ann Hanson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative, non-experimental study was to determine if the grading methods of discussion board assignments in asynchronous courses affect the students’ perceived social presence. Social presence is one of the three factors of the Community of Inquiry (COI) that play a role in supporting the learning experience. The target population was graduate students in asynchronous online education courses. A sample of 92 students were surveyed from five institutions using the Community of Inquiry (COI) survey. They were placed in three groups based on the grading methods of discussion board assignments. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) …

Bridging The First-Year Divide: A Comparative Study Of Online And In-Person Fye Courses, Lynnlee S. Mitchell, Paula Gonzalez Prado, Braden Jones, Cole Young

ATU Scholars Symposium

This research study will focus on the Tech 1013 and 1001 First Year Experience (FYE) Courses as a comparative study between the success of in-person and online students as well as instructor type for both modalities. This study aims to examine the success of students who enroll in face-to-face courses versus online enrollment to discover student engagement and success from the two available class options. Moreover, the investigation continues into whether a correlation between instructor type and student success exists and what form of relationship is presented. The subject area of this study will be students from the Spring 2024 …

Pedagogy And Practice In The Online Creative Writing Classroom, Grace Sikorski

Journal of Creative Writing Studies

Review of Tamara Girardi and Abigail G. Scheg, editors. Theories and Strategies for Teaching Creative Writing Online. Routledge, 2021. 165 pages.

Enhancing Student Engagement And Support With A Discord Ticketing And Ai-Driven Faq System, Benjamin Cisneros, Jorge Fonseca Cacho

UNLV Best Teaching Practices Expo

As the CS 202 Coordinator overseeing seven sections per semester, I introduced a Discord-based ticketing system to streamline student support and engagement. Traditional methods like office hours and email often created delays, whereas the ticket system allows students to receive timely help from any available TA, regardless of section. To further enhance accessibility, we added a public FAQ channel that displays resolved tickets, helping students quickly find answers without combing through chat logs. This approach supports learners with shorter attention spans and builds a shared knowledge base. Additionally, we are compiling these interactions to train an AI chatbot capable of …

The Impact Of Childhood Sexual Abuse On The Overall Well-Being Of White, Christian Female Survivors: A Phenomenology, Tassanee Sanchez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the impact that childhood sexual abuse has on the biopsychosocial-spiritual health of White, Christian female survivors. The study revolved around three main research questions: (1) How do participants describe their lived experiences and articulate their understanding of the phenomenon of CSA? Participants described their lived experiences as a painful experience of betrayal. Surprisingly, the betrayal came not only from the perpetrator, but also from those close to the survivor who they trusted to protect them. (2) How do participants describe the impact CSA has on their biopsychosocial-spiritual well-being in adulthood? Participants …

Mobile Application For Historical Markers*, Kellen Erskine, Harvey Alférez

Campus Research Month

Students find it challenging to engage in their local history solely through in-class instruction. Traditionally, teachers remedy this by organizing field trips. However, field trips can be challenging because they are costly, time-consuming, and a liability to the school. Because of these issues, teachers cannot take the students on as many field trips as they would like. The solution is a web app that allows students to discover the historical sites in their areas. This enables the students to independently visit historical sites and gain the valuable out-of-classroom experience that field trips can help with. The web app was introduced …

Student Veterans And Uniformed Military Students In Online Undergraduate Degree Programs: A Phenomenological Study On The Transition From Military To University Student Life, Misty Leigh Tom

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The transition from military to university student life for student veterans and uniformed military students is complicated and burdensome due to the vast differences between military and university student lifestyles. This unique population typically comprises nontraditional-aged students pursuing online degree programs, which come with challenges complicated by military experiences. Higher education institutions have historically provided support for in-person learning environments with traditional-aged college students. The gap in the literature has an evident and critical missing perspective: the experiences of student veterans and uniformed military students enrolled in online undergraduate degree programs. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological qualitative research study …

Understanding The Adoption Of Virtual Labs In Rural Secondary Schools: A Descriptive Analysis Of Perceived Usefulness, Ease Of Use, And Behavioral Intentions, Brian Shambare, Thuthukile Jita

The Rural Educator

Despite the promising advantages of cutting-edge technologies like virtual laboratories (VL) for enhancing science education, a significant gap remains between their theoretical benefits and practical application, particularly in rural schools in the Global South. This article argues that the effective integration of VL is largely dependent on teachers’ perceptions of the technology. Research suggests that user acceptance issues, especially related to teachers’ views, are critical when introducing new technologies, including VL, into educational settings. This study presents data from a quantitative survey of 186 life science teachers in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Using Davis’s technology acceptance model …

The Impact Of Covid-19 On The United States Higher Education System, Phoenix Daniel Van Wormer

University Honors Theses

In the spring of 2020, colleges across the United States rapidly transitioned to online/remote learning during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Since then, online and remote learning have evolved into an integral component of higher education. This thesis examines the extent to which COVID-19-mandated remote and online learning impacted students pursuing higher education in the United States. By utilizing research that compares academic structures before and after the pandemic, I demonstrate how the shift to online and remote learning has changed teaching and learning methods. I also evaluate the impact of these changes on student performance and engagement, with particular focus …

Exploring Adult Learners’ Spiritual Formation In Online Learning: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Haroldo Higino Viana

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe the support for guiding spiritual formation in online courses for students in post-secondary Christian education in Asia. Support for guiding spiritual formation in online courses was generally defined as an instructional design that influences spiritual formation through social, cognitive, and teaching presence in the learning experience. The conceptual framework guiding this study was Garrison et al.’s community of inquiry, as it supports online instruction through social, cognitive, and teaching presences. The central research question was: What are the perspectives of online students as they develop spiritual formation within their coursework? …

Supporting Local-Food Businesses To Conduct E-Commerce During Covid-19 Through Remote Student Internships, Angel Cruz, Barry Nash, Daniel Holloman, Joyce Yao

Journal of Extension

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global lockdowns changed the way food was accessed and prepared. These changes at the consumer level impacted farms and fisheries of all types and sizes. To compensate for the loss of larger markets and restaurant revenue, small-scale food producers pivoted to direct marketing to remain viable during the pandemic. However, not all businesses and producers had the time, skills or flexibility needed for a direct marketing business model. To support producers, the North Carolina Local Food Council developed a new internship program: Remote Internship to Support Enterprises (RISE) for Local Foods. The …