The EdSurvey package helps users download, explore variables in, extract data from, and run analyses on large-scale assessment data. The analysis functions in EdSurvey account for the use of plausible values for test scores, survey sampling weights, and their associated variance estimator. We describe the capabilities of the package in the context…

An application of Bayesian factor analysis for evaluation of scale reliability is discussed, which is developed within the framework of latent variable modeling. The method permits direct point and interval estimation of the reliability coefficient of multiple-component measuring instruments using Bayesian inference. The approach allows also point…

A Bayesian statistics-based approach is discussed that can be used for direct evaluation of the popular Cronbach's coefficient alpha as an internal consistency index for multiple-component measuring instruments, as well as for testing its identity to scale reliability. The method represents an application of confirmatory factor analysis within the…

GSCA Pro is free, user-friendly software for generalized structured component analysis structural equation modeling (GSCA-SEM), which implements three statistical methods for estimating models with factors only, models with components only, and models with both factors and components. This tutorial aims to provide step-by-step illustrations of how…

Generative AI systems, such as ChatGPT and Bard, can significantly enhance education by providing personalized learning experiences. They can tailor content, quizzes, and explanations to individual students; act as virtual tutors, and offer instant feedback. However, privacy concerns have arisen because of the need for personal data. Ensuring…

This study investigates iMessage Tapbacks (e.g., [heart], [thumb up], !!) as "sequence-closing seconds," or minimal responses that fulfill conversational obligations in text-based group chats. Through conversation analysis of three group conversations, the analysis demonstrates how Tapbacks operate as efficient second pair-parts (2pps)…

Statistical software is commonly used in undergraduate social sciences statistics courses. Due to the increase in online/hybrid courses and the cost of SPSS, instructors may wish to switch to another statistical software. We cover seven programs: Excel, Google Sheets, jamovi, JASP, PSPP, R, and SOFA. We compare programs using the following…

This Praxis develops a machine learning (ML) model to address ransomware threats in higher education institutions (HEIs). HEIs are vulnerable to cyberattacks due to their open-access environments, diverse user bases, and decentralized IT systems. These vulnerabilities are compounded by limited budgets, heightened risks from increased digital…

The objective of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of integrating natural language processing (NLP) technologies into an English language learning program aimed at enhancing auditory and speaking competencies. The methodology of the research is grounded in the development and testing of the intervention effectiveness of neural…

In this brief we shift the current academic integrity conversation from "detecting and preventing plagiarism" to "examining how plagiarized contents can be corrected with an objective knowledge of the number of words to modify and properly acknowledged". We proposed a simple, yet useful and powerful mathematical model that is…

Questioning plays a vital role in education, directing knowledge construction and assessing students' understanding. However, creating high-level questions requires significant creativity and effort. Automatic question generation is expected to facilitate the generation of not only fluent and relevant but also educationally valuable questions.…

The five SEERNet digital learning platforms (DLPs) present unique opportunities for researchers by offering tools, processes, and infrastructure to make research more efficient, scalable, and relevant. However, conducting research within a DLP may require a shift in a researcher's orientation or mindset in how they think about potential research…

Several variants of the autoregressive structural equation model were suggested over the past years, including, for example, the random intercept autoregressive panel model, the latent curve model with structured residuals, and the STARTS model. The present work shows how to place these models into a mixed-effects model framework and how to…

This article investigates the effectiveness of a newly developed online tool for assessing and improving the design and accessibility of Learning Management System (LMS) sites in Higher Education. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data. Results from 25 subject coordinators and 3 peer…

The purpose of this research is to create a personalized system called CARIA that suggests career recommendations based on students' competencies and the required skills in each career. The focus of this study is on digital technology and digital media careers. The personalized career recommender system uses a novel similarity measure called…