Modern technology threatens traditional modes of classroom assessment by providing students with automated ways to write essays and take exams. At the same time, modern technology continues to expand the accessibility of computational tools that promise to increase the potential scope and quality of class projects. This paper presents a case study…

In March 2020, the global health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in classrooms around the world. This paper is part of a larger study that investigated how Utah teachers across the state adapted to technology integration during that period. Specifically, we present interview findings from ten teachers in…

Professional development (PD) programs do not always reach the teacher or allow for sustained usage of technology. However, recent studies show that teachers are more open to use technology after increased technology dependence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Motivated by that new openness to technology integration, we used interview and survey data…

The need for well-designed learning experiences about modern, anthropogenic climate change is great. In light of this need, many scholars have looked towards museums, arguing that as trusted institutions of informal learning, museums are uniquely positioned to support public engagement with contentious, impactful issues like climate change.…

The coronavirus has caused major disruptions in the lives of people around the world in 2020. The academic world is no exception. The spread and severity of the virus has resulted in major academic changes in university class availability and content delivery; the use of technology for administrative, faculty and student meetings; how clubs and…

Twenty-first century teachers must embrace innovative practices and tools for relevant instruction that motivate and prepare students for the future. However, a gap between available technology, such as geospatial technologies, and those used for instructional technologies prevails. This study set out to discover if high school geography teachers'…

Modern technological advancements have transformed the way in which humans communicate, including writing. Today's students must not only be able to master the mechanics of good writing, but they must also become competent using writing programs in an online environment. English Language Arts teachers are the primary users of these writing…

The COVID-19 school closures offered states and local school districts an opportunity to reimagine education--to tailor it to meet students' needs, support teachers and aid their professional development, keep schools safe, and better support families. Thus far, not a lot of imagination is on display. In particular, schools are not taking…

This paper discusses the teaching effectiveness of The Fuller Life Man, a short fictional account of a door-to-door salesman selling the necessary ingredients for living a good and purposeful life. The researchers pilot tested "The Fuller Life Man" in two college courses at the University of Utah, "Leisure in Your Life," a…

Recent research on science teaching and learning defines science as both a body of knowledge and a process (NRC 2007); it is the integration of science content, practices, and core ideas (NRC 2012). It would follow that science learning should parallel what science is and how it is done; students should not be just consumers of scientific…

This analysis from NASBE details how the Utah State Board of Education helped school districts across the state ensure that teachers and leaders have the capacity and skills to deliver digital learning in the classroom. The piece also identifies important lessons for other states looking to implement a statewide program to promote digital learning.

As COVID-19 continues to impact various business sectors, university administrators have steadily pushed for all academic units to resume on campus operations and activities; conversely, faculty and students have expressed increased interest in continuing online teaching/learning. We aim to mitigate this "tug-of-war" between…

Competency-based education (CBE) has become well-accepted as a powerful way to personalize learning. Today's advanced technologies have enhanced CBE even further. Practitioners in the field are seeking means to take advantage of technology to increase CBE's effectiveness and efficiency, especially for adult learners. Microlearning and digital open…

This design case documents the creation of open educational resources for preservice and inservice teachers at Brigham Young University (BYU). The purpose of this interdisciplinary project was to design and develop training, assessments and credentials to help the learners become competent in teaching computational thinking (CT) and coding in…

Webinar production has steadily increased as a preferred method of information delivery for Extension professionals. Our objective with this article is to offer practical guidance from Utah State University (USU) Forestry Extension and the eXtension Foundation that can help others generate impactful webinar programs. From January 2016 to August…