This research study aimed to understand how depictions of Black women on television influence the ways Black women at PWIs make meaning of their multiple identities and self-definitions. Black Feminist Thought was used as the epistemology to inform the research questions. The research questions that guided this study were (1) How do Black college…

Teaching and learning in introductory programming courses is an overwhelming task for many course instructors and learners. Given the rise of digital and technological advancements, it is only wise to use these affordances for education. Microlearning is a successful technology-enhanced learning format with many features that might help…

As the number of STEM opportunities and the need for a scientifically literate society increases, educators in STEM fields require tools that help support these needs. Chemistry is one STEM content area that would benefit from exploring educational technology that supports conceptual understanding. An action research study was conducted to…

This qualitative, multiple case study provided comprehensive descriptions of the conceptual difficulties and learning experiences of in-service teachers as they improved their ability to effectively model fraction division with pictorial diagrams. Video data were collected on eight teachers as they individually progressed through a professional…

As artificial intelligence (AI) plays a more prominent role in our everyday lives, it becomes increasingly important to introduce basic AI concepts to K-12 students. Currently, most K-12 AI research focuses on introducing fundamental AI concepts using pure virtual platforms like webpages or software. However, robots, as helpful and popular tools…

The study examines the perspectives of using the Desmos calculator of Algebra I students' conceptual understanding and procedural fluency to write, graph, and solve linear equations in Algebra I STAAR. While the students have continuously used technology for mathematics assessment, emergent bilingual students in South Texas still need help passing…

In order to comprehend complex and abstract phenomena, students must partake in the process of learning by integrating complex and invisible components without ever physically encountering or manipulating such components. Prior knowledge and experiences will influence the way students assimilate and model new experiences and knowledge. If prior…

This study examined the effectiveness of three instructional and assessment strategies on conceptual understanding of the DNA molecule. Specifically, a model building task was utilized to determine if physical model construction, digital model construction with a touchscreen tablet computer, or paper worksheet activity effected conceptual…

The purpose of this action research was to evaluate the implementation of technology integration with multiplication concepts (i.e., repeated, arrays, and decomposing numbers) for struggling third grade mathematics students. This study incorporated the use of virtual manipulatives and student think-aloud recordings to measure students' conceptual…

Many efforts to reform science educational standards and structure have placed an emphasis on directing learners to communicate about concepts using external representations (ERs). Techniques to develop competencies with ERs often ask learners to develop understanding outside of a physical context while concurrently making connections back to the…

This dissertation introduces a comprehensive framework aimed at reshaping applied cybersecurity education to significantly ease the learning curve, at scale, through three synergistic innovations. These methods address the daunting educational barriers in cybersecurity, enabling learners at all levels to understand complex security concepts more…

This program was developed to offer caretakers information and support in their role as gatekeepers for their children and preadolescent's consumption of technology. Information is offered via psychoeducation, research, and statistics concerning the trajectory and effects of unsupervised, passive, excessive, and/or counteractive interaction of…

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to determine the effectiveness of virtual laboratories relative to traditional or blended laboratories in the attainment of conceptual knowledge and skill in microscopy; and (2) to explore how such technologies are integrated in real world classrooms. Four sections of a non-major's introductory biology…

A qualitative study was performed to evaluate the experiences and perceptions of Hispanic senior adults with health literacy while accessing the healthcare system. Research has shown that Hispanic Americans experience health inequalities due to low health literacy. Patients with low health literacy have trouble following medical directions and…

Density is a difficult concept for students to understand because it cannot be directly observed. If students are to gain a deeper understanding of the concept of density, they need to learn about density at both the microscopic and macroscopic levels. Virtual reality provides an opportunity for learners to experience phenomena at microscopic…