Computer Sciences Commons^™

Sociomathematical Norms And Automated Proof Checking In Mathematical Education: Reflections And Experiences, Merlin Carl

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

According to a widely held view, mathematical proofs are essentially (indications of) formal derivations, and thus in principle mechanically checkable (this view is defended, for example, by Azzouni [3]). This should in particular hold for the kind of simple proof exercises typically given to students of mathematics learning to write proofs. If that is so, then automated proof checking should be an attractive option for math education at the undergraduate level. An opposing view would be that mathematical proofs are social objects and that what constitutes a mathematical proof can thus not be separated from the social context in which …

Collaborative Pathways To Cybersecurity Excellence: Insights From Industry And Academia In The Southeastern Us, Humayun Zafar, Carole L. Hollingsworth, Tridib Bandyopadhyay, Adriane B. Randolph

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

This research article examines conversations happening between cybersecurity academics and industry leaders with a goal to improve the development of cybersecurity professionals. We specifically focus on efforts in the Southeast region of the United States. The discussion features insights from a panel consisting of an academic cybersecurity researcher, a Chief Information Officer (CIO) of a leading technology company with over 1,000 employees, and a CIO of a financial services firm, which employs over 3,000 people. The discussion sheds light on the challenges and opportunities involved in aligning cybersecurity programs with industry requirements. This article explores strategies for academia and businesses …

Identification And Characterization Of Intrinsically Disordered Protein Regions, Guy Wayne Dayhoff Ii

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates protein intrinsic disorder and intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDPRs) through the development and application of advanced computational and experimental techniques. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to protein intrinsic disorder, outlining the historical context and fundamental concepts that highlight the importance of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and IDPRs in various biological processes. Chapter 2 focuses on the rapid prediction and analysis of protein intrinsic disorder. We introduce RIDAO (Rapid Intrinsic Disorder Analysis Online), a high-efficiency web-based tool that integrates multiple disorder predictors. RIDAO significantly outperforms existing predictors in computational efficiency, making it suitable for large-scale proteomic studies. We …

Enhancing Adult Learner Success In Higher Education Through Decision Tree Models: A Machine Learning Approach, Emily Barnes, James Hutson, Karriem Perry

Faculty Scholarship

This article explores the use of machine learning, specifically Classification and Regression Trees (CART), to address the unique challenges faced by adult learners in higher education. These learners confront socio-cultural, economic, and institutional hurdles, such as stereotypes, financial constraints, and systemic inefficiencies. The study utilizes decision tree models to evaluate their effectiveness in predicting graduation outcomes, which helps in formulating tailored educational strategies. The research analyzed a comprehensive dataset spanning the academic years 2013–2014 to 2021–2022, evaluating the predictive accuracy of CART models using precision, recall, and F1 score. Findings indicate that attendance, age, and Pell Grant eligibility are key …

Integrating Remote Sensing And Machine Learning To Determine Past, Current And Future Crop Water Use From The Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System, Moaz Ishag

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The agriculture sector is a significant consumer of water, and sustainable water use begins with monitoring irrigated land. Delineating irrigated land supports decision-makers and promotes the sustainable use of this crucial resource. This study focuses on the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System (NSAS), the largest aquifers in the world, which spans Egypt, Sudan, Libya, and Chad. The study aims to: 1) quantify the increase in irrigated hectares (both pivot and non-pivot) from 2000-2001 to 2023-2024; 2) identify major irrigated crop types and their water requirements; and 3) quantify groundwater crop water use from the NSAS using remote sensing via the Google …

Towards Automated Slide Augmentation To Discover Credible And Relevant Links, Dilan Dinushka Senarath Arachchige, Christopher M. Poskitt, Kwan Chin (Xu Guangjin) Koh, Heng Ngee Mok, Hady Wirawan Lauw

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Learning from concise educational materials, such as lecture notes and presentation slides, often prompts students to seek additional resources. Newcomers to a subject may struggle to find the best keywords or lack confidence in the credibility of the supplementary materials they discover. To address these problems, we introduce Slide++, an automated tool that identifies keywords from lecture slides, and uses them to search for relevant links, videos, and Q&As. This interactive website integrates the original slides with recommended resources, and further allows instructors to 'pin' the most important ones. To evaluate the effectiveness of the tool, we trialled the system …

Student Partners In Ai Literacy: A Library And Writing Center Collaboration, A. P. Anderson

Velma K. Waters Library Faculty Publications

Student voices are valuable but often overlooked in discussions surrounding the role of AI in higher education. AI Literacy education efforts that treat students only as a potential audience for instruction rather than as potential instructors themselves miss out on the passion, curiosity, and complex questions that students can bring to these conversations. If we center student voices in AI Literacy education discussions, and encourage both their enthusiasm and skepticism, students can become comfortable and confident in leading discussions about AI in the classroom and in their lives. In my proposed poster presentation, I will share insights from an AI …

Ai Literacy Innovations: Chatgpt's Integration Into A First-Year Information Literacy Program, Taylor J. Greene, Douglas R. Dechow

Library Presentations, Posters, and Audiovisual Materials

In the dynamic field of information technology, integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy into information literacy instruction is now essential to ensure the ethical and productive use of generative AI by our students. This poster demonstrates our innovative approach to embedding AI literacy within the first-year information literacy program at an R2 research university. We used a two-pronged strategy: an “AI Literacy” section in Canvas and practical demonstrations of applying ChatGPT in live library sessions. The Canvas module section equips students with foundational knowledge and critical thinking about using generative AI for research and learning activities. It covers AI fundamentals, …

The Confluence, Volume3, Issue 2, Full Issue

The Confluence

No abstract provided.

How Do Preservice Teachers Learn To Teach Integrated Computational Thinking?: Evidence From Planning, Enactment, And Reflection, Rachael Dektor, Samuel Severance, Kip Téllez

Journal of Computer Science Integration

This study examines pre-service teachers’ (PSTs) beliefs and understandings about computational thinking (CT) integration and lesson implementation over time. Utilizing a design-based research approach, 3 PSTs led the co-design of integrated CT lessons with support from researchers and enacted these CT integrated lessons with K-5 students. All PSTs participated in a whole-group CT workshop and engaged in one-on-one lesson design sessions with a researcher. We utilized a grounded theory approach to qualitatively analyze pre-surveys, semi-structured interviews, and video data of three PSTs enacting their lessons. We found that PSTs’ initial beliefs about CT instruction – including the importance of it …

Assessing The Impact Of An Rpp On A Large Urban School District: The Case Of Cafécs, Erin Henrick, Danny Schmidt, Steven Mcgee, Andrew M. Rasmussen, Lucia Dettori, Ronald I. Greenberg, Dale Reed, Don Yanek

Computer Science: Faculty Publications and Other Works

This study analyzes the impact of the Chicago Alliance for Equity in Computer Science (CAFÉCS) Research Practice Partnership (RPP) on the Chicago Public School (CPS) Office of Computer Science (OCS). Using a qualitative analysis drawing on data from leadership team meetings, published articles and presentations, and evaluation reports from 11 years of the partnership, we utilized a framework developed by the CAFÉCS leadership team to document the impact on district (1) Programs, (2) Research, (3) Organizational Structures, and (4) Policies leading to (5) Equitable Results for students, condensed as PROSPER. In particular, we explore the role of the RPP in …

Predictive Power Of Machine Learning Models On Degree Completion Among Adult Learners, Emily Barnes, James Hutson, Karriem Perry

Faculty Scholarship

The integration of machine learning (ML) into higher education has been recognized as a transformative force for adult learners, a growing demographic facing unique educational challenges. This study evaluates the predictive power of three ML models—Random Forest, Gradient-Boosting Machine, and Decision Trees—in forecasting degree completion among this group. Utilizing a dataset from the academic years 2013-14 to 2021-22, which includes demographic and academic performance metrics, the study employs accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score to assess the efficacy of these models. The results indicate that the Gradient-Boosting Machine model outperforms others in predicting degree completion, suggesting that ML can significantly …

Strategic Integration Of Ai In Higher Education And Industry: The Ai8-Point Model, Emily Barnes, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

The AI8-Point Model, derived from extensive experience in technology, AI, and higher education administration, addresses the critical need for cost-effective, high-impact strategies tailored to higher education. Despite the transformative potential of AI in enhancing student engagement, optimizing processes, and improving educational outcomes, institutions often struggle with practical implementation. The AI8-Point Model fills this gap by offering strategies that balance cost and impact. Visualized as a circle divided into four quadrants, the model encompasses phases of student engagement and institutional interaction: pre-enrollment beyond institutional control, pre-enrollment within institutional control, post-enrollment within institutional control, and post-enrollment beyond institutional control. Each quadrant contains …

Digital Transformation: Two Sides Of A Coin, Tze K Koh

Research Collection College of Integrative Studies

It is of paramount importance to examine the intersection of digital transformation and sustainability. At the same time, there is a growing imbalance between digitalisation within the workforce and the pace at which sustainability awareness is picking up. Addressing this gap is crucial.

Ai Competency Acquisition Online? Engaging Undergraduate Students In An Ai 101 Course Through A Chatbot Workshop, Thomas Menkhoff, Lydia Teo

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

In recent years, digital transformation has dominated industries at an unprecedented rate. Alongside the proliferation of Artificial ntelligence (AI) technologies in the workplace, institutions of higher learning are experiencing an unprecedented push to integrate AI into the education ecosystem (Popenici & Kerr, 2017; Renz & Hilbig, 2020). AI in education (AIED) has the propensity to enrich teaching and learning in higher education by personalising students’ learning courses, automating assessment tasks, or providing24/7 access to learning resources (Karandish, 2021). According to estimates by the AI Market in the US Education Report, the AIEDmarket will grow at a CAGR of 47.77% during …

Exploring Applications Of Ai In Developer-Side Web Accessibility Practices, Maria H. Cristoforo

Computer Science Senior Theses

No abstract provided.

Queering Futures With Data-Driven Speculation: The Design Of An Expanded Mixed Methods Research Framework Integrating Quantitative, Qualitative, And Practice-Based Modes, Jess Parris Westbrook

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

Queering’ questions, unlearns, disrupts, and transforms approaches, expectations, and realities. Futures are time and change. The approach I have designed to operationalize Queering and futures, or Queering futures, is the Queering Futures Framework (QFF). The Queering Futures Framework (QFF) is a brand-new transdisciplinary research framework intersecting values, positionality, complexity, Queerness themes, and futures praxis. This framework expands traditional mixed methods research conventions by integrating quantitative, qualitative, and practice-based research modes and mindsets. The Queering Futures Framework (QFF) prototype presented in this dissertation functions as a test case and proof of concept. The prototype quantitative mode measures attitudes towards AI, and …

Making The Most Of Artificial Intelligence And Large Language Models: A Novel Approach For Book Recommendation And Discovery In Medical Libraries, Ivan Portillo, David Carson

Library Presentations, Posters, and Audiovisual Materials

This poster presentation evaluates the use of Artificial Intelligence and large language models (LLMs) to assist health science libraries in recommending and discovering book titles as part of their collection development. Using pre-determined prompts, the researchers evaluated ChatGPT 4.0, Bing Chat, and Google Bard as recommender systems for book discovery and ranking existing titles.

Building A Data Pipeline And Machine Learning Model For Insurance Data, Connor Weyers

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Insurance telematics is an emerging and exciting field. It combines the advancements in GPS tracking, computational analytics, data processing, and machine learning into a useful tool to help insurance companies make the best product for their consumers. This is why National Indemnity looked to implement a telematics portion to their business processes of underwriting insurance policies and sponsored a School of Computing Senior Design project. In this report, we will first review existing solutions that been used to solve problems and subproblems similar to that we are given in this project. We then propose designs for the data pipeline and …

Virtual Pair Programming And Online Oral Exams: Effects On Social Interaction, Performance, And Academic Integrity In A Remote Computer Programming Course, M. V. Lubarda, A. M. Phan, C. Schurgers, N. Delson, M. Ghazinejad, S. Baghdadchi, M. Minnes, Minju Kim, C. Pilegard, J. Relaford-Doyle, C. L. Sandoval, H. Qi

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Background and context

Pair programming and oral exams were deployed in tandem in a remote undergraduate computer programming course to promote social interaction and enhance learning.

Objectives

We investigate their impact on social interactions, sense of connection, academic performance, and academic integrity within a virtual learning environment, and explore the dynamics of student collaboration in the context of voluntary pair programming.

Method

Students’ coding activities, pairing preferences, and performance were survey responses were recorded and analyized.

Findings

First and second year students were more likely to participate in virtual pair programming than their more senior classmates. Willingness to pair program …

A Little Loud And A Little Alone: A Phenomenology Of Leadership Identity Construction Among Women In Higher Education Technology, Amy Barry

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Theses and Other Student Research

This qualitative study is an exploration of how women in higher education information technology (IT) positions navigate constructing their leadership identities. This includes the messy, personal, internal identity work that occurs prior to claiming their leadership identities on the public stage, followed by an examination of what the experience of attempting to claim and negotiate a leadership identity is like in the social context of their organizations. This educational and sociological study employs an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach with a series of three interviews per participant that allowed the researcher to deeply explore the personal identity experiences of participants. Findings …

Ethical Imperatives And Challenges: Review Of The Use Of Machine Learning For Predictive Analytics In Higher Education, Emily Barnes, James Hutson, Karriem Perry

Faculty Scholarship

The escalating integration of machine learning (ML) in higher education necessitates a critical examination of its ethical implications. This article conducts a comprehensive review of the application of ML for predictive analytics within higher education institutions (HEIs), emphasizing the technology's potential to enhance student outcomes and operational efficiency. The study identifies significant ethical concerns, such as data privacy, informed consent, transparency, and accountability, that arise from the use of ML. Through a detailed analysis of current practices, this review underscores the need for HEIs to develop robust ethical frameworks and technological infrastructures to navigate these challenges effectively. The findings reveal …

Vr Circuit Simulation With Advanced Visualization For Enhancing Comprehension In Electrical Engineering, Elliott Wolbach

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

As technology advances, the field of electrical and computer engineering continuously demands innovative tools and methodologies to facilitate effective learning and comprehension of fundamental concepts. Through a comprehensive literature review, it was discovered that there was a gap in the current research on using VR technology to effectively visualize and comprehend non-observable electrical characteristics of electronic circuits. This thesis explores the integration of Virtual Reality (VR) technology and real-time electronic circuit simulation with enhanced visualization of non-observable concepts such as voltage distribution and current flow within these circuits. The primary objective is to develop an immersive educational platform that makes …

Care-Teach: Proposing An Open-Source Approach To Personalized Learning, Jaime Augusto Alvarez Perez

Theses and Dissertations

Care-Teach is an algorithmic educational model that provides teachers and educators with the tools to create interactive, text-based lessons that address a student’s need for continuity and reinforcement. Care-Teach is built around two core components: a Student Behavior Profile and the Skill Tree. These models work together to give each student a personalized learning experience that reinforces their pre-existing strengths and inclinations. The Student Behavior Profile model keeps track of a learner’s inclinations and mood, utilizing metrics such as average response time and accuracy to categorize opportunities for educator involvement. The Skill Tree is an organizational …

Optimizing Adult Learner Success: Applying Random Forest Classifier In Higher Education Predictive Analytics, Emily Barnes, James Hutson, Karriem Perry

Faculty Scholarship

This study examines the application of the Random Forest Classifier (RF) model in predicting academic success among adult learners in higher education. It focuses on evaluating the model's effectiveness using key statistical measures like accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score across a comprehensive dataset from 2013–14 to 2021–22, which includes variables such as age, ethnicity, gender, Pell Grant eligibility, and academic performance metrics. The research highlights the RF model's capability to handle large datasets with varying data types and demonstrates its superiority over traditional regression models in predictive accuracy. Through an iterative process, the study refines the RF model to …

Developing Machine Learning Agency Among Youth: Characterizing Youth Critical Use, Examination, And Production Of Machine Learning Applications, Ibrahim Oluwajoba Adisa

All Dissertations

This study explores how middle school-aged youths at an afterschool center utilized, examined, and produced AI applications for social good with the support of adults and peers. The study employs a qualitative single case study design. It uses thematic analysis and quantitative ethnography methods to analyze data from multiple sources, including field notes, interviews, focus groups, story completions, video recordings, and artifacts. Findings indicated that engaging youths in critical exploration of AI tools enhanced their ability to design interest-based AI applications that provide solutions for healthcare problems, security, and accessibility. Moreover, the computational thinking practices that youth engaged in increased …

Exploring The Relationship Between Anxiety And Virtual Reality Sickness, David Wesley Woolverton

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

As virtual reality (VR) becomes more commonly used in education, it is important to understand the technology’s weakness and mitigate any potential negative effects on student success. One adverse side-effect of VR use is simulation-induced motion sickness, known in the context of VR as VR sickness. Previous research by Howard and Van Zandt (2021) found that possessing a phobia had a significant positive correlation with VR sickness, but only if the phobia is triggered by the simulation, suggesting that symptoms are actually connected to the anxiety the phobia induces. This study explored the hypothesized correlation between anxiety and VR sickness, …

Flipped Classroom For Linear Algebra At Undergraduate Level, M. Thulasidas

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

In this article, we describe our experience in developing an undergraduate Linear Algebra course tailored to highlight its relevance and applicability in Computer Science. Over the course of three years, the course transitioned from a traditional direct-instruction format to a flipped-classroom design, resulting in positive student learning outcomes. This article covers the course design philosophy, its syllabus, learning objectives, and the incorporation of both quantitative and qualitative student feedback in shaping the course. Furthermore, the article shares the insights gleaned from our experience, which can serve as best practices for instructors aiming to deliver a successful Linear Algebra course for …

The Grader: A Grading Assistant For Lab Tests And A Teaching Tool, M. Thulasidas, David Lo

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

This article presents the design and implementation of the Grader, a grading assistant application deployed for a Web Application Development course at our school. The Grader is equipped to handle various logistical aspects of lab tests, including file management, consistent application of rubrics, and auto-grading of questions with test cases. Additionally, it incorporates heuristic rules to detect cheating attempts. We anticipate that the Grader will find widespread utility in programming courses where lab tests serve as summative assessments. Developed within the same programming environment taught in the class, the Grader also serves as a pedagogical tool, demonstrating to students a …

Automatic Grading Of Short Answers Using Large Language Models In Software Engineering Courses, Nguyen Binh Duong Ta, Yi Meng Chai

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Short-answer based questions have been used widely due to their effectiveness in assessing whether the desired learning outcomes have been attained by students. However, due to their open-ended nature, many different answers could be considered entirely or partially correct for the same question. In the context of computer science and software engineering courses where the enrolment has been increasing recently, manual grading of short-answer questions is a time-consuming and tedious process for instructors. In software engineering courses, assessments concern not just coding but many other aspects of software development such as system analysis, architecture design, software processes and operation methodologies …