Projects
Critical AI in Education Pathways: A Comprehensive Resource for Instructors on Ethical AI Integration, ISU Miller Faculty Fellowship
In a rapidly evolving world shaped by technology, the need to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education is more vital than ever. Amidst discourses that fuel a sense of urgency in the integration of AI in education (AIed), there are few opportunities for educators to engage in critical conversations about AIed. Addressing this urgent need, the purpose of this project is to create an educational resource, Critical AIed Pathways, that will feature accessible and customizable online modules for instructors to facilitate conversations around the integration of AIed with future teachers based on ethical, technical, pedagogical, and practical aspects of AIed. Interactive and modular learning content along with K-12 in-service teacher video-cases will foster a reflective approach where instructors will discuss the integration of AI in their teaching contexts.
Empowering Researchers through Evaluation: The Development of Online Educational Modules for Evaluating Biomedical Research Training Programs, National Institutes of Health (NIH)
This project addresses NIGMS’ Enhancing Program Evaluation Capacity at institutions with biomedical research training programs by developing online modules to inform program directors and administrators about effective and practical approaches to evaluate biomedical research training programs. Through this project, we aim to increase awareness of the importance of evidence-based decision making and enable biomedical science administrators and other stakeholders with the tools and skill sets to make program evaluation an on-going, integral component of research training programs from the beginning rather than a one-time event. Our proposed solution highlights the strength of decision-making based on systematically collected evidence that improves the quality of biomedical research training programs and therefore contributes to the development of biomedical research and global health. The overall goal in this proposal is to equip participants with the competencies (knowledge, skills, and attitudes) necessary to conduct high-quality evaluations and make evidence-based decisions to improve program effectiveness and learning outcomes in biomedical research training programs. To achieve this, we will pursue three specific training goals: 1) design and develop a comprehensive online training program; 2) pilot test and refine the educational modules; and 3) disseminate knowledge and strategies on evaluation through a website, content management system, publications, and presentations. The training will include seven modules covering main components of program evaluation, from foundational practices to quantitative and qualitative methods, and to communication of evaluation results.
Education DCL: EAGER: Exploring New Pathways into Cybersecurity Careers for Rural English Learners through XR-enabled Educational Methods, National Science Foundation (NSF)
This project considers rural EL students an untapped segment of the future workforce with significant potential to enter the cybersecurity field through postsecondary pathways such as certificates and associate degrees. Inspired by gaps in research on student transitions from high school into postsecondary education, this project encourages EL students to consider a cybersecurity career by increasing their interest and knowledge of the field. The project hypothesis is that using immersive and interactive XR technologies will significantly improve EL students' engagement and motivation with cybersecurity topics, which research shows are essential factors in choosing a career. The project goals are to: 1. Develop prototypes of co-designed XR-enabled educational resources. 2.Assess if these resources show promise with EL students. 3. Analyze project findings to guide future research.