This dissertation investigates how collective process-oriented documentation tools, combined with Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, can enhance knowledge construction in hands-on, open-ended learning environments, such as makerspaces. Through a three-year design-based research, the study developed and tested a collective documentation…

The present study investigated the experiences of educators who taught in the virtual world Second Life®. Second Life has shown promise in the field of higher education but identified gaps exist: the identification of a set of best practices, a foundational theory, and educators' experiences using Second Life in higher education. Using a single…

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a shift in education that necessitated that teachers adapt how they educate and communicate with their students. Previous researchers examined general education teachers' experiences transitioning to online teaching but did not establish how alternative teachers and the at-risk students they taught were affected. The…

This qualitative descriptive study explored how teachers perceive the significance of their leadership and digital pedagogy in fostering students' self-directed learning skills in a digital learning environment. Grounded in transformational leadership theory, Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems theory and ISTE standards, the study answered three…

Instructors are steadily incorporating collaborative learning technology into their online classes to help promote effective learning strategies. A learning management system (LMS), such as Blackboard, offers their own collaborative technologies, but some instructors are turning to free and open source system (FOSS) to conduct these collaborative…

This study presents a collaborative learning experience design aimed to promote Algorithmic Literacy (AL) among middle school students. Developed in partnership with middle school teachers and students, the design addresses the need to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate an algorithm-driven digital landscape. The…

The purpose of this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of teachers in kindergarten through first grade utilizing digital technologies to engage elementary students during mathematics instruction. This phenomenological study was guided by the following research questions. (1) How do elementary…

Technology use, education technology, and innovations continue to grow in the 21st century. Information is abundant, and it can be challenging to process and decipher. Students are deficient in critical thinking and experience negative effects from the overuse of technology. Liberal education philosophy focuses on building critical thinking and…

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive single case study was to understand how college instructors across a variety of discipline areas described the development of their instructional strategies to embed sense of community and cognitive presence in a blended class environment at a university in the Midwest United States. The Community of…

This study explored the use of gamification when teaching Greek as a L2. It examined how Greek teachers in different schools in Cyprus use gamification and if it affects their students in learning. It explored their perceptions of the effects on student motivation and engagement. The study was of qualitative approach and semi-structured interviews…

Biblical illiteracy seems an increasingly significant problem in the Church today, and the problems which arise as a result of the issue have an impact on both the theology of the Church and the way the people of God live out that theology. In a culture which pushes against the biblical narrative, it is as important as ever to instill within the…

This nonexperimental predictive correlational research study examined the impact of ongoing professional development, hands-on training, practical scenario-based learning, post-training support materials, and one-on-one coaching on educators' ability to adopt, maintain competency, and effectively use digital tools. The study analyzed the…

With the widespread use of technology in education, the nature and role of technology in the process of learning are becoming increasingly difficult to understand. There is a need to shift the focus of education technology from innovating around tools to innovating around designing new digital learning environments. Designing digital learning…

The demand for technology integration has presented teachers with new pedagogical choices for designing engaging learning experiences for students. These technology choices are becoming abundant and varied, confronting teachers and administrators with determining how effective these methods are for teaching. This research was focused on one of…

The introduction of standardized learning management systems (LMSs) for blended learning (BL) in K-12 education in Puerto Rico signifies a pivotal shift towards enhancing educational environments with technology. This qualitative study was conducted to understand the perspectives of teachers and school directors on the LMS adoption process.…