Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Evaluating An Integrated Science, Technology, Engineering, And Math/Computational Thinking Professional Development Program For Elementary Level Paraprofessional Educators, Aubrey A. Rogowski

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

For my dissertation, I looked at a training program one Utah school district used to teach paraprofessional educators science, technology, engineering, math, and computational thinking. Specifically, the program taught them about what computational thinking is and how they could use it when teaching science, technology, engineering, and math to students from kindergarten to sixth grade. While reviewing this program, I evaluated 1) The experiences the paraprofessionals had with the program, 2) Whether the paraprofessionals understood computational thinking, and 3) Whether the program prepared them to teach computational thinking to K-6 students.

I worked with eight paraprofessionals who participated in this …

Change In Academic Self-Efficacy Across Gender And Year In School For Undergraduate Sport Management Students, Jarid Morton

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Academic self-efficacy (ASE) is a construct derived from social cognitive theory developed to assess an individuals perceived competence in academia. It has been found to significantly relate to academic achievement. Students scoring higher in ASE are more likely to obtain higher cumulative grade point averages and higher test scores. Studies assessing ASE have examined degree programs such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (i.e., STEM), business, and the humanities. Despite the wide scope of fields studied, sport management programs have yet to be assessed. This study aims to fill this gap. Part of the study aimed to construct a valid …

Teaching And Practicing Goal Setting In A Course Onboarding Module, Jedediah E. Blanton, Rachel E. Williams

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

Teaching about the empirical evidence and basic tenets of setting and pursuing goals is a common topic in undergraduate kinesiology courses, especially in sport and exercise psychology. Yet, many textbooks and materials include goal setting as an applied skill or behavior change process buried in the middle of the term. In this article, we will define types of goals and share a goal setting activity that may be scaled for a variety of courses and class sizes. The purpose of this article is to share a proposal for opening the course by first covering the topic of goal setting. The …

Beyond The Headlines: Media And Information Literacy (Mil) In Times Of Conflict, Anna Kozlowska-Barrios, Lusine Grigoryan, Michael Hoechsmann, Andzongo Menyeng Blaise Pascal

Journal of Media Literacy Education

The wars of the 21st century are not the first media wars, and many tropes and schema have long histories, particularly propaganda and the othering of a purported enemy. What is new today is that although mass media remains a central and hegemonic source of insight and perspective, citizen journalism, social media, spreadable media, and surveillant, data-driven media have grown in significance at an exponential level, adding a layer of complexity. In this article, we focus on disparity in media coverage and make the point that media and information literacy provide a valuable set of lenses from which to view …

Are They Tools? Anglophone West African Countries’ Students’ Misconception Of Media Literacy And Critical Thinking For Combating Misinformation, Muhammed Jamiu Mustapha, Mutiu I. Lasisi, Victor Vladmirovich Barabash

Journal of Media Literacy Education

This study examines the media literacy and critical thinking levels of students of West African higher educational institutions as tools for combating misinformation in the sub-region. Data analysis using the mediation approach revealed differences in students' understanding of media literacy and critical thinking and partially predicted their efficacy in combating misinformation. This stems largely from a misunderstanding of media literacy and critical thinking concepts as tools, as well as a lack of adequate provision for teaching the concepts and considering them as strategic tools for combating misinformation in the region. The study recommends concrete policy and managerial solutions to the …

The Influence Of Online Distance Learning And Digital Skills On Digital Literacy Among University Students Post Covid-19., Mohammed Fadel Arandas, Ali Salman, Syed Arabi Idid, Yoke Ling Loh, Syaira Nazir, Yuek Li Ker

Journal of Media Literacy Education

Online distance learning policies were formulated and implemented among some Malaysian universities long ago, but their value emerged since COVID- 19. Emanating from the diffusion of innovation theory, this study examined the perception of higher education students on the influence and relationship between six independent variables (compatibility, observability, relative advantage, complexity, trialability, and digital skills) and one dependent variable (digital literacy). A total of 524 respondents were sampled, comprising students from six public and private Malaysian universities. The findings from the correlation analysis show a significant positive relationship between the six independent variables and the dependent variable. Meanwhile, in the …

Mapping The Media Education Approaches In Instructional Materials Development: Conjunctions And Disjunctions, John N. Ponsaran

Journal of Media Literacy Education

This qualitative inquiry centered on the critical exploration of media education approaches that guided the praxis of student assessment reform, particularly textbook task design. Correspondingly, this instructional media research is predicated on the fundamental premise that textbooks and the student tasks contained therein are informed and shaped by the academic authors’ positionalities, paradigms, and pedagogies. By focusing on the purposiveness of designing textbook tasks as a social practice, this research was able to identify and unpack the conjunctions as well as disjunctions of what the academic authors as media producers intend the students to learn, answer, perform, tackle, and act …

Can I Trust This Information? Using Adolescent Narratives To Uncover Online Information Seeking Processes, Rachel Besharat-Mann

Journal of Media Literacy Education

Adolescent internet usage is incredibly prevalent, marking a need for educational support as they navigate online texts. As online texts are prone to bias and misinformation, it is important to fully understand how young people conceptualize this information and where they need support. These texts may also contain harmful messages, particularly for typically marginalized groups. Higher levels of literacies related to online media consumption have been shown to mitigate these negative effects, and may help to limit bias and increase criticality. Researchers have illuminated underlying processes surrounding online text comprehension, though research is limited on these processes in authentic spaces. …

That’S Using Your Brain!: Mind-Mapping And Ai Tools For Information Management And Information Literacy Instruction, Ruth L. Baker

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

TheBrain.com is a dynamic, mind-mapping tool you can use to manage your files, links to web sites, and other content–any kind of information you need to collect and manage. You can use your ‘digital brain’ to gather and visualize information from various sources and formats (i.e. create ‘thoughts’). The advantage is you can organize your files and information according to how you think about them, without the limitations of a typical folder-and-file organization system.

Your digital brain is an invaluable tool for collecting and managing information but it also can be used as a tool in the higher education classroom. …

Yes, Use Ai, But Not Like That! Helping Student Researchers Navigate Conflicting Messages About Generative Ai, Ali Krzton, Todd Shipman

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

University students are being encouraged by their peers, or even their institutions, to use generative AI tools to make the research process more efficient and less stressful. However, they are also cautioned against inappropriate use of generative AI by course instructors, research supervisors, and those same institutions. Many librarians are reluctant to enter the discussion and provide instruction in the appropriate use of generative AI, perhaps to avoid the appearance of endorsement. On the other hand, the implications of student use of AI for information literacy cannot be ignored. One possible strategy is for librarians to explore the use of …

Getting Student Buy-In On Information Literacy In A Generative Ai Information World, Vincent Larkin

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

Even before the emergence of ChatGPT and similar programs, it could be difficult to get students interested in tracking down information sources and evaluating the authority, context and intent of content. With the emergence of generative AI tools, many educators are finding more unattributed or AI generated content in submitted student work, and for the students who use these tools, the speed and perceived authority of these tools may blind them to the difficulty of tracking and crediting the original sources. Given the emergence of these tools, how can we get students to value and put into practice information literacy …

Beyond Navigating: Empowering Ourselves And Our Communities Through Critical Technology And Information Research, Sarah Appedu

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

Artificial intelligence systems are increasingly being sold to the public as transformative, world-changing, life-improving advancements in human evolution. Information literacy librarians have and will continue to play an instrumental role in challenging and critiquing new technological “advancements” that make their way into the lives and practices of their organizations and communities. However, librarians may be underutilizing the important skills they hold in evaluating complex information sources and systems when helping their communities critically respond to new tools like those powered by artificial intelligence. While emphasizing skills related to source evaluation, identifying algorithmic bias, and critically examining the economic context of …

Harnessing Generative Ai For Targeted Libguide Development, Autumn Johnson

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

LibGuides are indispensable tools for librarians, facilitating information literacy teaching in a variety of contexts and enhancing the overall learning experience for users. This is particularly true for guides tailored to specific courses. Course guides and others that closely align with student learning objectives and assignment requirements, provide a more immediate and targeted response to user’s needs. Yet, developing guides with such customized content often proves to be a time-consuming process for Librarian creators.

Librarians might consider leveraging generative AI to assist them in creating guides with more focused and timely content, making their work easier and more efficient. Generative …

How Many Steps To Connect With The Library And A Librarian In Academic Libraries In The Southeast, Viki Stoupenos, Christine Woods Dr.

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

Transactional distance is defined as the gap between the learner and the teacher in online classes. In other words, how far away does the learner feel from the teacher or the ability to get help. This definition is applied to how far away the learner feels from the library and the ability to get help from a librarian.

Two important issues in transactional distance are structure and dialogue. Librarians should be aware of the structure of learning materials and have clear visible pathways so that students may reach out to ask for assistance. Websites must have logical structure and students …

Exploring The Ethical Use Of Ai In Information Product Creation: A Guide For Librarians, Dawn N. Cannon-Rech

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

Exploring the Ethical Use of AI in Information Product Creation: A Guide for Librarians

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the way information products are created, raising ethical considerations that demand the attention of educators, researchers, and librarians. This poster presentation aims to delve into the ethical aspects of AI-generated information products, such as papers, Open Educational Resources (OER) materials, images, etc., and to provide practical tips for teaching librarians on how to navigate and address citation rules associated with these products.

Objectives:

1. Understanding AI in Information Product Creation: Explore the key principles behind AI algorithms and …

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A Collaborative Approach To Exploring Generative Ai With Undergraduate English Students, Chrissy O'Grady

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

How can librarians support students in exploring the use of generative AI to aid in the research process? This presentation will discuss a partnership between an academic librarian and an English faculty at a comprehensive state university in fall 2023 and spring 2024. In two sections of a 300-level major English course, students are required to use generative AI for an assignment. The collaboration consists of two information literacy sessions that utilize scaffolded activities. The first session focuses on students using generative AI to aid in their research process. We discuss their experiences using generative AI tools, develop an understanding …

Brewing Scholarly Connections: The Evolution Of Scholar Sips At Gs Libraries, Jessica L. Swaringen

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

The Scholar Sips lecture series at Georgia Southern University aims to facilitate student-faculty connections through intellectual exploration. Scholar Sips provides a space for faculty to present and discuss their recent, topical research with students who may or may not be in their classes already. Scholar Sips participants are also treated to complimentary coffee and tea. The library acts as a neutral third-space that levels the power dynamic between professor and student, positioning them both as explorers of a given topic. This presentation will describe the philosophical approach behind Scholar Sips, its gradual transformation over three semesters, as well as strategies …

Chatgpt And Friends: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly, Lara Little

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

ChatGPT and similar large language models have taken the world by storm. Many librarians and teachers are trying to get up to speed on these new technologies and understand how they will affect information literacy, the classroom, and more. This presentation will give a not-too-technical overview of how these technologies work, what they can be used for, ethical issues of hallucinations, copyright, and potential student plagiarism, and considerations for libraries and librarians to take into account as students and teachers embrace (or avoid!) this form of artificial intelligence. Attendees will come away with a better understanding of what ChatGPT and …

The Dragon In The Room: The Perils And Possibilities Of Ai-Generated, Openly-Licensable Rpg Program Content, Nathaniel Lee Bareford

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

Role playing games (RPGs) like Dungeons and Dragons are becoming increasingly popular and more in-demand by patrons of both academic and public libraries. Research has demonstrated that role playing games are valuable tools for reinforcing discipline-specific knowledge, developing career-ready soft skills, and cultivating information literacy practices. However, librarians are taxed for time and the investment required to produce practically usable, openly licensed RPG content is substantial. Additional access barriers such as material costs and licensing restrictions often prevent librarians from being able to sustain roleplaying game programming. If AI can produce usable, open RPG resources based firmly on open licenses …

Artificial Intelligence: The Road More Traveled. Writing And Conducting Research With Ai, Laura Zucca-Scott, Samuel Stinson

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

This project illustrates and discusses actionable examples of how collaborative, supportive virtual or in-person environments can foster democratic learning models in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

The workshop models, whether in person or virtual, provide dialogical opportunities for growth. Critically examining information and developing writing skills become crucial in supporting scholarly growth and intellectual exploration while providing access to academic pursuits to otherwise marginalized individuals and groups.

The experiences we share are situated in a specific context and are interconnected with the perspectives, backgrounds, and expectations of the scholars involved. However, as the writing workshops continue to evolve due to …

Sexual Health Education Scope And Sequence, Sara Wadsworth

Honors Projects

Based on a significant amount of prior research, comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) has been identified to be the most effective method of teaching sexual health education (SHAPE America, 2021; World Health Organization, 2023). Comprehensive sexual health education improves healthy behaviors and outcomes, provides useful information, and is positively perceived by students (Gardner, 2015; Kirby, 2002; Robinson et al., 2022). However, the United States’ current sexual health education has not implemented this ideal method, which is shown through state laws, students’ experiences, underdeveloped skills and flawed understanding of concepts, and – most importantly – a lack of resources for teachers (Foley, …

Designing Social-Ecological Programs To Support Extension Participants In Civic Engagement, Angela S. Gupta, Nathan Meyer, Michelle Prysby, Shelly A. Johnson, Gail Epping Overholt

The Journal of Extension

To address a need to support volunteer and citizen engagement with decision-makers in addressing social-ecological challenges, we designed and tested a “flipped classroom” training to teach civic engagement processes in the context of invasive species management. We pilot-tested the curriculum in seven states. Using results from in-course and delayed surveys, we demonstrate that participants increased their capabilities for engaging decision-makers and took civic engagement actions related to invasive species issues. Although participant recruitment and retention were lower than expected, the overall results suggest that the training approach is an effective design for satisfying participant needs and achieving learning outcomes.

Healing A Generation; Implementation Of Higher Education Curricula For Venezuelan Journalism Students Living Under Structural Violence To Promote A Transition Into Democracy, José Luis Jiménez-Figarotti Prof.

The SUNY Journal of the Scholarship of Engagement: JoSE

Venezuela's sociopolitical landscape has deteriorated significantly over the past decade, culminating in a profound humanitarian crisis. This ethnography, conducted from 2015 to the present, explores the experiences of a study group comprising 2000 Venezuelan communication college students, aged 17 to 25, who navigate structural violence while striving for quality higher education. The research employed a multifaceted approach, encompassing interviews, focus groups, and observations. Additionally, this qualitative study examines the outcomes of implementing an interdisciplinary journalism curriculum grounded in human rights and media activism, complemented by online sessions and an environmental education component. This educational project aims to foster critical thinking …

Students’ Experiences When Using Real-Time Automated Captions And Subtitles In Live Online Presentations: A Phenomenological Study, Anymir Orellana Ed.D., Elda Kanzki-Veloso Ph.D., Georgina Arguello Ed.D., Katarzyna Wojnas

The Qualitative Report

According to the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, as a text-based alternative to auditory information in videos or presentations, captions can make the content equally accessible, and multilingual subtitles can promote a cross-linguistic understanding of the content. We conducted a phenomenological study to understand the common meaning of the participants’ experiences when using real-time automated captions/subtitles during live online class presentations. Twenty-four remote student participants were placed in three study groups. All participants were fluent in spoken and written English, eight could read in one or more additional languages, and none had a hearing disability. We used Microsoft PowerPoint …

In This Issue 14:3, Stephen J. Langendorfer Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

In This Issue 14:3

Attitudes And Self-Efficacy Of Swimming Coaches Towards The Inclusion Of Swimmers With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Eleftheria Kasagianni, Dimitrios Kokaridas, Panagiotis Varsamis, Vasilis Tsimaras

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes and self-efficacy of swimming coaches regarding the inclusion of swimmers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The sample consisted of 150 Greek swimming coaches with an average age of 29.58 years. Each participant completed the Swimming Coaches Attitudes towards Inclusion Questionnaire for perceptions assessment and the Biddle and Goudas (1997) self-efficacy questionnaire. The statistical analysis used SPSS 27 to calculate Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson product-moment correlations, independent t-tests, and ANOVA. The findings of the study showed that the swimming coaches expressed positive attitudes and a high percentage of perceived self-efficacy towards the …

‘You Have To Respect The Water’: Participant Experiences Of Appreciating And Managing The Risks Associated With Open Water Swimming – A Rapid Ethnographic Study, Mark A. Christie, David Elliott

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Open water swimming (OWS) has rapidly grown in popularity, driven by the purported health benefits of cold-water immersion. A paucity of research remains specifically considering the notable risks inherent in OWS participation, and a lack of qualitative research on freshwater swimming experiences, and safety-related issues therein. This rapid ethnographic study, based at a dedicated OWS lake in the UK, conducted semi-structured interviews with OWS participants (n=17; female=11, male=6). Two core themes emerged: environmental issues impacting OWS experiences and behaviours; and knowledge and education of OWS which highlighted safe/unsafe practices, levels of education for managing risks, personal preparedness, swimming solo/with others, …

Barriers: Location, Functionality, And Method Of Access In Childhood Pool/Spa Submersion Incidents, United States, 2000-2017, Alison Miller, Kristina R. Anderson, William D. Ramos

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Drowning is a leading cause of fatality among children in the United States, and residential pools/spas currently account for as much as 80% of these submersion incidents. This study reviewed narrative case reports obtained from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to understand barrier location, type, and functionality as methods of pool/spa access for childhood submersion incidents. Retroactive analysis of 1,523 fatal and non-fatal submersion incidents among children aged 13 years old and younger was conducted using the CPSC in depth investigation dataset from 2000-2017. Narrative descriptions were coded according to the attributes of barrier location, functionality, and …

Lay Rescuer Equipment Preferences And Efficacy During A Simulated Drowning Event, Alison M. Miller, William D. Ramos, Kristina R. Anderson, Jill Cuvala

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

During a drowning incident where a lifeguard is not present, a bystander – referred to as a lay rescuer - may put themselves in danger by attempting a rescue. When lay rescuers can avoid entering the water by using rescue equipment to help a drowning victim, it serves to not only help the person actively drowning, but also provides a layer of protection to a lay rescuer. This study sought to examine the following questions: (a) which pieces of rescue equipment were preferred by lay rescuers at pre-determined short and long distances, (b) do lay rescuers select appropriate rescue equipment …

A Research Framework To Improve Evidence-Based Practice Surrounding The Resuscitation Response To Drowning In Surf Lifesaving, Elissa Hooper, Aaron T. Scanlan, Shayne D. Baker, Samantha Fien

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Surf lifesaving members are essential first responders who patrol public waterways, performing rescues and resuscitation to individuals in the community when needed. In this way, surf lifesaving members experience arduous physical requirements alongside extensive psychological stress during resuscitation. Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) represents the predominant, frontline lifesaving service in Queensland, Australia; however, little research has explored key aspects of drowning resuscitations involving this organisation, as well as in the broader lifesaving industry, limiting our current understanding on this vital topic. We sought to explore key aspects of drowning resuscitations within SLSQ and create a framework to generate evidence-based practice. …