The purpose of this quantitative, quasi-experimental study was to determine if, and to what extent, technology-enhanced problem-based formative assessment instruction would have an impact on college students' algebra learning and development of critical thinking skills, when compared to traditional classroom instruction in a first-year college…

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effectiveness of the use of games as part of mathematics instruction on academic achievement in grades Kindergarten to 12 in the United States. There were 17 studies selected for investigation published from 2010 to 2023 that focused on game-based learning and mathematics. This meta-analysis…

Technology use among preschool-aged children (3 to 5 years old) is increasing significantly. Most of this use occurs at home, however, there is little research that investigates how it is affecting family relations and dynamics. This comparative case study explores the social practices of mobile technology in two families with preschool-aged…

Academic engagement has been shown to decline as students progress through elementary and middle school, reaching the lowest levels in high school. Increasing student engagement has been an explicit goal of many school and district improvement efforts, especially at the high school level. As the capabilities of portable technology continue to…

STEM education reform and climate change awareness are two of the United States' most challenging educational issues. When integrated into curricula, citizen science projects have shown the ability to increase STEM interest and enhance climate change understandings in high school students. This quasi-experimental study investigated the approach of…

Traditionally in higher education, online courses have been designed for computer users. However, the advent of mobile learning (m-learning) and the proliferation of smartphones have created two challenges for online students and instructional designers. First, instruction designed for a larger computer screen often loses its effectiveness when…

This comparative study uses the Diffusion of Innovation (DoI) theoretical framework to explore factors that influence diffusion of mobile devices in higher education in Botswana and Namibia. The five attributes (Relative Avantage, Compatability, Complexity, Trialability, and Observability) of the persuasion stage, which have been found in previous…

Higher education institutions have incorporated information and communications technology strategies to improve the learning environment and increase their competitive advantage. One strategy, the use of learning management systems, has transformed the learning environment over the past three decades. User acceptance is a key success factor in any…

This study examined the effectiveness of the iPad app Mathspace on high school students' algebra computation and skill maintenance. The participants in this study were four ninth grade students enrolled in beginning algebra at a large, urban high school. All four students were struggling to obtain grade-level algebra skills and were reported by…

This quantitative analysis examined the impact of assigning a Chromebook to a student in a one-school-year pilot. Participating students were assigned a Chromebook. Participating and nonparticipating students' grades were examined quarterly through the year. This study's student achievement data considered content area, grade level, and the number…

In this dissertation, I analyze the impact of three environmental education strategies implemented in rural northern Tanzania focused on forest-related knowledge. In Chapter Five, I assess the impact of two strategies--face-to-face group discussion and mobile phone texting--on knowledge. I also compare the effectiveness of the two strategies in…

Technology continues to advance the pace of American education. Each year school districts across the country invest resources into computers, software, technology specialists, and staff development. The stated goal given to stakeholders is usually to increase student achievement, increase motivation, or to better prepare students for the future.…

The purpose of this study was to examine teachers' levels of mobile device implementation and any measured differences in English Language Learners' (ELLs') performance in each modality of the ACCESS test. Researchers often support the use of mobile devices in the classroom, but this study was unique because of a combination of how it was focused…

The present study examines how mobile practices of social-media use are integrated into individuals' everyday lives as a way to manage their relationships. Mobile communication technologies and social-media use intersect in people's everyday communicative practices, allowing individuals to engage in continuous interactions that take place on the…

A recent study in Saudi Arabia uncovered certain prevalent health-risk behaviors amongst the adolescent population. One of the most prevalent behaviors identified by this study is health-risk dietary behavior. In general, adolescents in Saudi Arabia reported poor dietary behaviors. Furthermore, the problem of poor diet in the adolescent population…