Online and Distance Education Commons^™

Investigating Mixed Effects Random Forest Models In Predicting Satisfaction With Online Learning In Higher Education, Jiaqi (Jackie) Shi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

One of the many impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the increasing prevalence and accessibility of online education. This trend has also introduced challenges for students, instructors, and institutions. This study examines factors affecting online course satisfaction, focusing on individual, instructor, and institutional level characteristics with clustered, separated train and test datasets across two terms. This study compares Hierarchical Linear Model (HLM), Non-clustered and Clustered Random Forest (RF & MERF) models to understand these impacts. This intention is to provide a comprehensive framework comparing traditional HLM with the latest developed MERF models while delving into the effectiveness of RF …

Restructuring Power Dynamics Within A Classroom: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study, Kristen Carlson, Davidson Blanchard

The Interactive Journal of Global Leadership and Learning

Shifting away from direct instruction, constructivist learning design allows for a learning experience that engages all participants in co-constructed learning. Restructuring the power dynamics in the classroom makes the learning environment more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. This study explores the perceptions of teacher education graduate students around constructivism and power dynamics. Participants completed pre- and post- course interview sharing experiences with power dynamics and learning environments from student and teacher perspectives.

Teachers’ Perceptions Of Public Policy And Their Impact On Teacher Retention, Carl Bryan

The Interactive Journal of Global Leadership and Learning

Fewer issues have received more attention by education researchers than understanding the global teacher shortage, especially in public schools. Concurrent with this issue is the concern that the rate of teacher hires is insufficient to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse body of students. Further, while the research on job satisfaction, specifically in understanding their impact on teacher retention, is multifaceted, causal data underlying these approaches have been limited. This research gains significance in light of policymakers’ increasing calls for restructuring the way schools do business to effectively meet the diverse needs of students, often in spite of already-limited …

The Application Of Relational Cultural Theory In Digitally Delivered Ce Programs, Jinnelle V. Powell, Nicole Bradley, Jayce Patton, Carrie Lynn Bailey, Gary M. Szirony, Kathleen Levingston

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Relational Cultural theory (RCT) as a pedagogy in counselor education and supervision (CES) uniquely positions educators and learners for growth through vulnerability and authenticity. The authors in this article share their individual journeys with RCT along with practical strategies for implementing RCT as a pedagogy in an asynchronous digitally delivered counselor education program. Ethical implications are addressed.

Beyond Gaming: Using Discord To Increase Communication In Your Courses, Christine I. Kugelmann, Carolyn Glasshoff

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Discord is a versatile, free communication platform that supports text, voice, and video interactions within customizable servers. This tutorial shows how to integrate Discord into educational settings, highlighting its ability to facilitate instantaneous communication and secure information sharing. By organizing course-related discussions into distinct channels, educators can enhance student engagement and collaboration. The platform’s compatibility with various devices, including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops, ensures accessibility for all users. Additionally, Discord’s web-based option provides flexibility for those who prefer not to download the app. To comply with FERPA regulations, educators can set clear guidelines on the appropriate use of …

White Paper: Embracing Responsible Use Of Chatgpt In Education, Monica J. Weir

The Interactive Journal of Global Leadership and Learning

This white paper presents challenges and opportunities for integration of ChatGPT, an artificial general intelligence (AGI) model developed by Open AI, in education. Drawing parallels to prior technological innovations in education including handheld calculators, the author asserts that the primary solution lies in guiding students to develop skills for responsible use of available resources. While debates surrounding the use of ChatGPT and plagiarism, misinformation, and ethics are valid, this paper stresses the importance for open conversations and growth mindset. The proposed solution includes a responsible use policy for ChatGPT in the classroom, which emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, continuous feedback, ethical …

Phenomenology Via A Narrative Inquiry In Action: A Study Identifying Themes Of Persistence And Barriers Faced By African American Male Students In Their Pursuits Of Higher Education, Jeremiah Rotich

The Interactive Journal of Global Leadership and Learning

The use of phenomenology via a narrative inquiry is increasingly becoming popular in qualitative research study as it provides an unparalleled approach in sharing lived experiences. This article employs a narrative inquiry study to improve the understanding as to why Black male students (also known as African American male students) graduate from college at a lower rate than their Latino, White, and Asian counterparts in the United States. These narratives helped describe the barriers that have frustrated African American male students from persisting in higher education. Participants identified the lack of financial support, lack of cultural competency, lack of identity, …

Teaching Grow Your Own (Gyo) Programs: A Deeper Discussion Of A Teaching Gyo With A College Campus Immersion Experience, Gricel Escobedo

The Interactive Journal of Global Leadership and Learning

While the U.S. has seen an increase of students of color in K-12 schools, the teaching profession faces a shortage of teachers of color. A range of issues, including engaging and retaining teachers of color, learning outcomes, and ensuring academic success for students, all contribute to the shortage. Teaching focused Grow Your Own (GYO) programs have gained popularity as a grassroots effort to diversify the teaching profession to reflect current student demographics. This article explored the commonly used strategies in teaching GYO programs aimed at recruitment and retention of diverse teachers. Additionally, it focused on the Future Teacher Academy (FTA) …

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of First-Year Christian Student Success In Theological Studies During The Pandemic, Philip Lamar Nash

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the journeys of first-year undergraduate theological students during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to figure out what, if anything, aided the students in completing their coursework with passing grades. COVID-19 has impacted organizations and individuals around the world, prompting changes to ensure that things kept moving forward safely. The research was conducted to discover what, if anything, brought about achievement for students in a COVID-19 collegiate environment. The research was guided through a hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative approach by conducting interviews with students about their first year in a residential secondary educational setting that moved to being online because …

The Perspective Of An Alumnus, Rifah Tasnim

Early College Folio

No abstract provided.

Editor’S Note, Amanda Landi

Early College Folio

No abstract provided.

Contributors

Early College Folio

Contributors, Early College Folio, Volume 3, Issue 1 (2024).

Introduction To Landscape Architecture State Standards And Curriculum For Utah High Schools, Joseph Pancoast

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Utah State University (USU) offers a successful Introduction to Landscape Architecture class for college students; this class increases awareness and understanding of landscape architecture as a profession. Though this is a wonderful resource offered at the college level, high school is a key time for career awareness. Unfortunately, there is a lack of student awareness surrounding the profession of landscape architecture. In Utah and the rest of the United States, there are currently no in-person Introduction to Landscape Architecture classes available in a high school setting to increase awareness and understanding for students in a high school setting. Providing a …

Future-Ready Digitalized Education: Unraveling The Dynamics Of Sustainable And Ethical Digital Transformation, Vaishnavi Rode

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Amid the brisk advancement of digital technologies, higher educational institutions and universities are finding themselves at a crucial turning point, with significant obstacles and new prospects in the realm of digital transformation. This culminating experience project delves deeply into the compounded terrain of digital transformation in higher education, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices in the face of rapidly evolving technical advancements. The research questions are: (Q1) What strategies can universities adopt to foster digital literacy among students and faculty while promoting sustainability values within their digital education programs and Why? (Q2) What ethical considerations, concerning data privacy and digital …

The Reach And Community Perspective Of Bt Radio Programs As Supplemental Teaching And Learning Platforms, Fernando N. Mangubat Jr, Naomi A. Bajao, Jae-An V. Sarucam, Alden Q. Gabuya Jr., Florieza M. Mangubat

ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement

In 2020, COVID-19 forced several communities to isolate, and radio stations stepped up as leaders in communication and media during the pandemic, especially in rural communities where internet access is lacking. This study examines the vital role for disseminating information among urban and rural communities and improving services for clients who do not have access to the internet or television news updates. Specifically, this study analyses the demographics of the listeners of Bulawanong Tinubdan (BT) Radio 98.1 FM, a radio station of the Cebu Technological University-Tuburan campus and an affiliate of the Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS), a government-owned network. It …

Check The Rhyme Y’All; Life As A Shorty Shouldn’T Be So Rough: How Hip-Hop Songs Can Be Used As Pedagogical Tools To Teach Grammar/Culture And Ease Comprehension In A French As A Second Language Classroom, Scooter Pégram

Perspectives In Learning

Language learning can be stressful endeavour for students. To address this, educators of foreign languages often search for new and exciting pedagogical tools that will enable them to reach their learners in meaningful ways. Since both hip-hop music and culture are omnipresent throughout contemporary society in many facets, some teachers are incorporating elements of this ever-expanding and integral part of global pop culture into their lesson plans. This study explores the unique educational approach that is known as a Hip-Hop Based Education (HHBE); one where rap music and lyrics can be integrated into classroom instruction and learning. After first introducing …

Adaptable Quantum Education Platform Using Learning Objects, Krishna Puja Anumula

Master's Theses

In recent years, the need to make classroom learning more interactive and engaging has become increasingly important. The lack of workforce in interdisciplinary fields such as quantum networking and quantum internet requires a new approach that addresses every learner’s individual needs. To address this challenge, this thesis introduces an adaptive learning platform rooted in the theory of learning objects and Kolb’s experiential learning model. The platform aids educators and learners in designing and utilizing various learning objects for quantum networking and quantum internet.

The platform enables educators and learners to build their own lessons and lesson plans using learning objects …

Impact Of Covid-19 On Coordinated Programs In Dietetics, Eric West, Tiffany Sterling, Joanna Cupp, Sara Tamsukhin

Journal of Dietetic Education

The purpose of this study was to analyze tactics employed by coordinated programs in dietetics during COVID-19 and share best practices in the event that another crisis disrupts the intended learning plan and curriculum. The study was conducted via a survey that consisted of 14 questions, not including consent, that pertained to their specific program, whether COVID disrupted their supervised practice experiences, and if so, how they overcame the challenge. Participants receiving the survey consisted of dietetic coordinated program directors and the clinical coordinators of the respective program if applicable. The survey was sent to 60 total participants with 21 …

Emphasizing Interprofessional Education Through A Virtual Case Study In A Medical Nutrition Therapy Course, Natalie B. Allen, Traci A. Garrison, Wendy R. Jackson, Bonnie K. Slavych

Journal of Dietetic Education

This observational research presents multi-year findings of a project using an online case study implemented in an undergraduate Medical Nutrition Therapy class that fostered interprofessional collaboration among students from various healthcare disciplines. The case study focused on a fictional patient with an ischemic stroke and all work was virtual. Students from various allied healthcare fields were represented: dietetics and nutrition, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and social work. Both undergraduate and graduate students participated in developing a virtual care plan for the patient, with an emphasis on helping students explain their role to the team, while simultaneously learning how to collaborate …

The Effect Of Using Interactive Digital Story On Academic Achievement And Motivation Towards Learning Digital Skills, Emad Jamal Jabali, Riyadh Alhassan

International Journal for Research in Education

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of using interactive digital story on academic achievement and motivation in the digital skills course among first-level middle school students. The research population consisted of the first-level middle school students in the Sabia province in the second semester of 2022. A quasi-experimental approach was adopted with a sample size of 50 students from Al-Khalidiya School in Sabia; the control group consisted of 25 students who studied through the textbook, while the experimental group studied via interactive digital stories with the same sample size. Several interactive digital stories were designed as …

Online Teaching And Learning At Chinese Universities During Covid-19: Insiders’ Perspectives, Youliang Zhang, Yidan Zhu, Tongjie Chen, Tongfei Ma

Journal of Global Education and Research

During attempts to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic in China, higher education programs shifted their traditional educational models to online models. This paper aimed to explore how Chinese universities organized online teaching and learning during the pandemic. It investigated the factors affecting the implementation of online teaching and provided policy recommendations for improving the quality of education in the post-pandemic period. The primary data for this study came from in-depth interviews with nine students and five teaching and administrative staff at eight major universities in mainland China. Literature was obtained in both English and Chinese from January 2020 to …

African Union’S Youth Education Challenge: A Critical Review Of Agenda 2063, Ruth V. Akumbu, Jennifer Jukanovich

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

It is no easy feat for the African Union to mobilize 55 countries of various political, tribal, and economic demographics, yet the problem remains that nearly 34 million children are out of school, and the continent is not graduating the secondary students needed for the 1.25-billion-member workforce expected by 2050 (ISS Africa, 2017). The paper aims to assess African Union strategies and make recommendations for member countries to utilize to solve educational challenges facing the continent’s growing population and market. We assess the educational challenge and contributing factors followed by suggesting four strategic directions, grounded in Agenda 2063, that the …

Assessing The Use Of Online Credit Recovery For Economically Disadvantaged Students, Peter Westby

Graduate Teacher Education

As online learning grows, many school districts have turned to online credit recovery (OCR) courses to allow students to retake previously failed courses and earn credit toward graduation. Research is relatively new in this area, and results from different studies contradict each other regarding the effectiveness of OCR programs. Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds represent a large percentage of those enrolled in OCR courses. Questions have arisen regarding whether OCR may contribute to a widening gap in achievement between advantaged and disadvantaged students. Results showed that OCR courses have the potential to help older high school students attain credit faster …

Training In Trauma-Responsive And Anti-Racist Telehealth: A Model For Behavioral Health Clinicians And Providers, Ritchie Rubio

Psychology Division Scholarship

Telehealth's uptake in behavioral health services has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many clinicians continue to lack focused training in providing trauma-informed and culturally-responsive telehealth care. This article outlines a model curriculum that was created to instruct and coach behavioral health providers in California on how to integrate anti-racist and trauma-responsive techniques into telehealth. Topics like evidence-based trauma therapies, racial/ ethnic trauma, marginalized communities, digital divide, and provider selfcare were all covered in the nine-part curriculum. Every three-hour session included evidence-informed didactic content, telehealth skills practice, and concrete planning for implementation. Trauma-responsive frameworks such as the tri-phasic model …

E-Learning Challenges Faced By University Teachers During Covid-19 Pandemic, Ayesha Noor, Sana Mumtaz, Fozia Malik, Sultan Maqsood

The Qualitative Report

The research has explored various challenges related to E-learning dynamics faced by high-education academicians during the COVID-19 period. To develop an in-depth understanding, qualitative research methods were used and the narrative inquiry method was integrated for collecting data from interviewees. Data were collected from 14 university teachers via focus group discussions in which respondents were required to provide written narrations about the teaching-related challenges as well. Data were narrated from the words of respondents using the thematic analysis approach. Based on the analysis, seven major themes were derived and characterized as the key challenges of e-learning during COVID-19 named as …

Relational Dynamics Following Divorce: Evaluation Of An Online Co-Parent Education Program, J. Kale Monk

Journal of Extension

I sought to investigate the potential efficacy of an online divorce and co-parent education program. Across 9-years of evaluation data for the Focus on Kids online program, participants (N = 6,679) reported a high degree of program satisfaction. According to pre-post test reports, average knowledge of how to support children across the divorce transition increased. Participants also increased in their intention to avoid engaging in behaviors that are distressing for children. Overall, this study provides evidence for the efficacy of online divorce education and provides support for the advancement of online programming as a promising avenue for Extension more …

Innovation And Technology: The Era Of Autonomous Cars And Their Outcomes In Law Enforcement, Gabrielle Banish

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this research study is to explore the cybersecurity of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs), including the technological challenges, barriers, and impacts on society. This research study provides a framework for law enforcement agencies to understand the scope of security of AVs and develop relevant policies and strategies to enhance the security of these vehicles. AVs are a relatively nascent concept in the automotive industry, and thus, there is limited knowledge about cybersecurity. In the upcoming years, there will probably be a considerable increase in the number of semi-autonomous vehicles on many US and European roads. Some experts even predict …

Paving Pathways: Navigating The Intersection Of Ai And Student Support In Higher Education, Tracy M. Balduzzi, Lori Driscoll Edd, Sean Nufer, Amanda Major

FDLA Journal

Higher education is undergoing a major transformation influenced by globalization, technological advancements, and the recent challenges posed by global pandemics. In response to these disruptions, institutions are increasingly embracing innovative strategies to enhance student support, faculty development, and overall educational effectiveness. This article explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), student support, and faculty development in higher education, highlighting key initiatives and strategies implemented by institutions across the United States.

The article examines the evolving role of educators with regard to AI, emphasizing the use of AI-powered tools to enhance teaching and learning experiences while addressing concerns about academic integrity …

Best Practices For Synchronous Online Teaching: A Framework To Support Engagement And Inclusion, Amy Sugar, Sue Bauer, Rohan Jowallah

FDLA Journal

The last two decades have seen an increasingly rapid advancement in the landscape of technology. While these advancements enhanced the quality of education, the COVID-19 pandemic forced institutions to rapidly transition to synchronous online teaching and learning. This transition was not often done within a sound pedagogical process. According to De Leon (2022), in many cases Covid negatively affected students’ development. The writer goes on to suggest that social, mental health, and instructional issues may have contributed to the deficit in learning currently being explored by many academics. Hence, we must create sound approaches for teaching and learning online. As …

Passing The Gen Z Vibe Check: A Values-Based Approach For Instructional Design, Charlotte A. Jones-Roberts, Rebecca Mcnulty

FDLA Journal

This paper emphasizes the significance of establishing a compelling digital course environment to meet the preferences of Generation Z (Gen Z) students, who prioritize multimedia content, personalization, and on-demand learning as key components to online learning. Educators seeking to enhance online pedagogy will need to consider these preferences in order to address the challenge of aligning instructional design with targeted learning experiences. To that end, this paper uses a literature review and analysis of values to explore the intersection between Gen Z values and preferences and to suggest pedagogical support for aligning online course content to corresponding values.