This study examines Arkansas early childhood practitioners' propensity for self-directed learning when using mobile phones to participate in self-paced online professional development. Further, the activity system model provides context for understanding practitioners' willingness to use technology, like smartphones, to adopt new information when…

This exploratory sequential mixed methods study examines the contemporary usage of online education in rural, K-12 settings, as well as explores the relationship between Internet connectivity, smartphone use, and rural, K-12 online education in the United States. The following general research questions were explored: (1) How are rural K-12…

After COVID 19 pandemic started, United States public schools pursued alternative learning options. Schools began teaching virtually, so schools could reopen safely. Eventually, some schools preferred to continue with the virtual learning option and the face-to-face option with safety measures. The problem is that many teachers shifted from…

The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a mandatory online supplemental instruction program in an introductory cell and molecular biology course at a community college in Northern Nevada. To accomplish this, the study focused on the dependent variable of course GPA, and the issuance rate of "D" or "F" letter…

The problem addressed in this research study was teachers' and school administrators' resistance to integrating mobile technology in the classroom. This study was inspired by Albert Bandura's social learning theory and the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge, (TPACK) as the conceptual framework. The purpose of this quantitative…

The call for transformation of nursing education continues to be supported by professional nursing organizations and nursing leaders. It is needed to support transition of nursing graduates who are facing an increasing technological work environment, higher patient acuity, and the challenges of making rapid critical decisions for care. The current…

This study explores the experience of Generation X women who play casual video games on mobile devices (e. g., smartphones and tablets), and draws connections to learning and literacy, particularly in the areas of New Literacies, the New Literacy Studies, and semiotic literacy. Data was gathered from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with five…

This dissertation is presented in multiple article format with an introduction, a literature review, a design case, a mixed methods study, and a conclusion. The literature review outlines important concepts and theories that appear in subsequent manuscripts. The design case describes the seven-year design process that resulted in the online…

Students in online higher education courses face issues with communication with peers and instructors, which often leads to various learner struggles and a less than quality learner experience. The purpose of this project study was to examine the problem of communication in online higher education courses and the role of communication apps in…

An era of vast digital advancements has given way to emerging technologies capable of transforming the educational experience. Personal learning technologies are increasingly pervasive and becoming more central to human interaction. Among university students, these devices often include mobile phones and tablets. The ubiquity of these technologies…

Home is a vital setting for children learning in the context of everyday routines of family life. As technological developments create new opportunities for children to make use of domestic spaces and materials, families must reconfigure their homes, learning, and busy schedules. This dissertation examines ethnographically how families are…

The proliferation of digital educational applications (apps) has revolutionized the pedagogical landscape for students and instructors, both within and beyond the confines of traditional classrooms. Educational apps offer a variety of features that can help students learn more effectively, including personalized instruction and real-time feedback.…

The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore parents' perceptions of the use of mobile devices as tools for learning for their children in special education settings. Research literature on mobile-device use in special education indicates that little is known regarding parents' perception of mlearning. While studies provided…

In March of 2020, many schools including the high school where I teach in the southwest United States, shut down and moved all students to online learning due to a coronavirus. At the time, this virus (referred to as COVID-19) was just starting to pose a significant threat to the United States, yet had already claimed lives in other parts of the…

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…