Unified Modeling Language (UML) Class Diagramming is the commonly accepted mechanism used to describe relationships between software components. In addition, it is an essential educational tool that is used to convey the structure of software and the patterns of software design to students. Unfortunately, UML is a visual-only mechanism and…

This phenomenological study's objective was to review the existing initiatives for cybersecurity awareness and training that are in place for the K-12 education system throughout the United States. Every facet of life is now plagued by the potential, perceived, and real threat of cyber warfare, which includes, but is not limited to, K-12 schools…

This dissertation advances research on evaluation (RoE) through a trio of studies focusing on the role of context and the innovative use of Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software in formative evaluation in a qualitative research project. The first article extends Coryn et al. (2017) and elucidates how various contextual…

As the world becomes increasingly globalized thanks, at least in part, to the ubiquity of digital technology, scholars in discourse and new media must explore the possibility of learning and composition to expand pedagogical practices and opportunities. This project uses study abroad programs and education as a test case for establishing the…

ChatGPT and generative AI technologies have infiltrated our learning spaces, and, as a result, schools may be changed forever. While some educators may seek to ban the use of chatbots, motivated by a fear of the rampant plagiarism the technology might invite, I, however, write this dissertation with the intent of finding uses for AI as a…

Purpose: The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate the feasibility of using tests of robustness in peer review. This study involved selecting three high-impact papers which featured open data and utilized bioinformatic analyses but provided no source code and refactoring these to allow external survey participants to swap tools,…

DEVS (Discrete Event System Specification) is a formalism that was introduced in the mid-1970s by Bernard Zeigler, for modeling and analysis of discrete event systems. DEVS is essentially a formal mathematical language for specifying complex systems through models that can be simulated and has been executed in object-oriented software, DEVSJava…

We study how to automatically generate cloze questions from given texts to assess reading comprehension, where a cloze question consists of a stem with a blank space holder for the answer key, and three distractors for generating confusions. We present a generative method called CQG (Cloze Question Generator) for constructing cloze questions from…

The primary grade levels traditionally consist of highly kinesthetic and tactile activities supporting learning and student engagement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers urgently transitioned these learning activities to virtual settings. However, research shows a need for more literature on primary teacher experiences and their move toward…

Physical therapy (PT) education programs adopting online teaching and learning must ensure students acquire the necessary skills for optimal professional work readiness, including appropriate assessment and feedback in the online environment. The problem addressed in this study is the gap in research related to the use of GoReact video assessment…

We analyze the thesis that a fully immersive gamified learning platform benefits students, improving their enjoyment, time management, and performance by engaging them with the subject matter. We assert that an immersive experience centered around a true game produces better results than exercises with just a few gamified elements (e.g., points,…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate high school students' performance in analyzing complex arguments with the support of an off-the-shelf argument mapping software, Rationale™, which provides diagramming tools with guided prompts. This study attempts to: (1) evaluate the quality of student's argument maps in terms of structural…

This phenomenographic study investigates how student teachers use TikTok to discover, analyze, evaluate, and adopt classroom management information and strategies. Student teachers often struggle with classroom management regarding student behavior, classroom environment, and instruction. To address these concerns, they turn to traditional print,…

The purpose of my study was to determine the effectiveness of using dynamic geometry software while exploring the properties of quadrilaterals. Dynamic geometry software can be effective if used properly in the exploration process as students construct their own knowledge through constructivism. Students were given the Van Hiele Test as a pretest…

One approach to teaching game design to students with a wide variety of disciplinary backgrounds is through team game projects that span multiple weeks, up to an entire term. However, open-ended, creative projects introduce a gamut of challenges to novice programmers. My goal is to assist game design students with the planning stage of their…