Research
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My research interests are diverse and can best be explained by my primary professional goal: the meaningful integration of information and communication technology for the improvement of education at all levels. This broad goal has manifested itself in a few separate, but interrelated research themes that include: 1) the effective design, development, utilization, and evaluation of technology-enhanced instruction, 2) the appropriate teaching practices for technology-oriented curriculum, and 3) the investigation of factors that influence technology integration at all levels of education. My colleagues and I have published our research in multiple venues, including the Journal of Educational Computing Research, Journal of Information Systems Education, Journal of Research on Technology in Education, Computers and Education, Journal of Computing in Higher Education, Behavior Research Methods, and Computers in Human Behavior. I also regularly present my research at the American Educational Research Association, the International Society for Technology in Education, and the Association of Educational and Communication Technology.
1. The effective design, development, utilization and evaluation of technology-enhanced learning environments.
The design and delivery of technology-enhanced instruction is based on principles and guidelines derived from theory, empirical research, professional experience and the limitations or possibilities of the technologies used for delivery. As technology changes, further empirical research and theory development is necessary to demonstrate its efficiency and effectiveness for learning. Because technology advances at such a rapid pace, the process of conducting sound empirical research and developing theory is an ongoing process. Thus, my research focuses on design effective and efficient instruction, and providing sound empirical evidence of their influence on learning.
The design and delivery of technology-enhanced instruction is based on principles and guidelines derived from theory, empirical research, professional experience and the limitations or possibilities of the technologies used for delivery. As technology changes, further empirical research and theory development is necessary to demonstrate its efficiency and effectiveness for learning. Because technology advances at such a rapid pace, the process of conducting sound empirical research and developing theory is an ongoing process. Thus, my research focuses on design effective and efficient instruction, and providing sound empirical evidence of their influence on learning.
2. The appropriate teaching practices for technology-oriented curriculum.
Research confirms students struggle with technology-oriented courses. The most troubling statistics are from the introductory computer programming courses where failure and withdrawal rates exceed fifty percent. To heighten the quality of the curriculum and positively impact student achievement, I focus on the development of teaching practices that intersect the subject-matter and the technology. In particular, I try to provide a rich description of teaching practices grounded in theory, and provide empirical evidence that demonstrates the instructional value of those practices. These practices focus on face-to-face, online and hybrid courses.
Research confirms students struggle with technology-oriented courses. The most troubling statistics are from the introductory computer programming courses where failure and withdrawal rates exceed fifty percent. To heighten the quality of the curriculum and positively impact student achievement, I focus on the development of teaching practices that intersect the subject-matter and the technology. In particular, I try to provide a rich description of teaching practices grounded in theory, and provide empirical evidence that demonstrates the instructional value of those practices. These practices focus on face-to-face, online and hybrid courses.
3. The study of factors that influence technology integration at all levels of education.
As far back as instructional film, radio, video, and in more recent history, the Internet and personal computers, we have heard a familiar tune from the overly optimistic: This new technology is going to revolutionize education. While our current technology certainly has more potential than its predecessors, there are still overarching factors (e.g., professional development for teachers) that positively influence integration. Thus, studying the factors that influence technology integration in education is of paramount concern to legislators, administrators, parents, students, and teachers. My research aims at identifying the significant factors that influence integration. Accordingly, this information can be used to inform key stakeholders and lead to successful integration.
As far back as instructional film, radio, video, and in more recent history, the Internet and personal computers, we have heard a familiar tune from the overly optimistic: This new technology is going to revolutionize education. While our current technology certainly has more potential than its predecessors, there are still overarching factors (e.g., professional development for teachers) that positively influence integration. Thus, studying the factors that influence technology integration in education is of paramount concern to legislators, administrators, parents, students, and teachers. My research aims at identifying the significant factors that influence integration. Accordingly, this information can be used to inform key stakeholders and lead to successful integration.