Factors Affecting Technology Integration in K-12 Schools
My dissertation study involved the examination of direct and indirect effects of school setting, teacher characteristics, and professional development factors on technology use in K-12 classrooms. For this research, I developed a research-based path model to explain causal relationships between these factors and tested the model based on data gathered from 1,409 Tennessee public school teachers.
Evaluation of Technology Integration Programs
I am currently working as a researcher with Drs. Steven M. Ross and Deborah L. Lowther as external evaluators for Tennessee's K-12 EdTech Launch statewide program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Another evaluation study I was involved in is the Freedom to Learn Program, a statewide initiative aimed at improving student achievement and engagement in Michigan schools. Assessment practices involve evaluation of student academic achievement, problem solving, school use of research-based teaching practices, and teachers’ skill levels in and attitudes toward technology integration.
Changing Classroom Environments through Effective Use of Technology
This study investigated the overall effectiveness of two state technology programs targeted to reach high-poverty students through the Tennessee (TN) Department of Education’s: Technology Literacy Challenge Fund (TLCF) and EdTech Launch (ETL), a No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Title II-D grant.
Instructional Strategies Used by Teachers During Student Use of Technology
The purpose of this study was to identify instructional strategies used by teachers to support technology integration, with specific emphasis on student use of technology. In addition, relations between types of computer applications (production tools, Internet and research tools, and educational software) and teachers’ classroom practices were examined.
K-12 Technology Coaches: Answering the Need for Effective Technology Integration
While working for the Appalachian Technology in Education Consortium, I helped to design, develop, and disseminate a Technology Coach Handbook and a Teacher Technology Handbook with companion websites. These Handbooks were distributed to all schools in the four-state region and have been distributed to numerous educators across the country.
Evaluation of PT3 Projects
I am working with colleagues from The University of Memphis and University of Georgia to synthesize findings from PT3 grants across the nation on curriculum change and field experience aspects of teacher education.
Design and Development of an Online Learning Support System for Preservice Teachers
This study explored how preservice teachers perceived and utilized the Online Learning Support System designed and developed to provide a platform for presenting utilities like content, news, and course assignments, and facilitating communication among students and instructor.
Adaptive (Individualized) Web Based Learning Environment
I am currently working to design and develop adaptive web-based learning environments as an extension of previous research that focuses on online learning management system development. The goal of the research is to incorporate appropriate instructional strategies and activities by examining individual characteristics of learners.
Evaluation of Online Certificate Programs
I am working with the Internet Based Education Project of the Middle East Technical University in Turkey to evaluate program effectiveness and examine student dropout patterns.
Use of ‘Wiki’ in a Different Learning Context
I am designing a study that examines affordances of ‘Wiki’ in a different learning context as a collaborative learning tool.
Assistive Technologies for Turkish College Students with Disabilities
I am leading a study to investigate technological needs for college students with disabilities and examine how such technology can help them to obtain equal opportunities in their education.