The study investigated users' perspectives on My Path to Learning (MPTL), an interactive cloud technology, as a tool for differentiating instruction in phonology and spelling for K-8 students. The study aimed to enhance the digital platform by incorporating and acting upon user feedback. The researcher collected qualitative data to examine the…

Computational thinking (CT) is recognized as an essential and universally applicable skill for all disciplines (Wing, 2006; Bundy, 2007). Proponents of CT acknowledge that it is integral to fostering 21st century skills such as problem-solving and higher-order thinking (Barr & Stephenson, 2011; Wing, 2006). Educational robotics activities have…

The shift to online learning management systems such as Canvas seemed to assume students would become more independent and self-regulated, yet little research has been conducted in this area, especially with school-age students. This study examined the ways middle school students engaged with an online learning management system (LMS) and their…

McMillan-Dorman, Stephanie Michelle. Examining the Relationship Between Middle School Students' Participation on i-Ready Computer Adaptive Tests and Math Achievement Scores (Under the direction of Theodore Kaniuka, Ed.D.) Despite over 50 years of effort, educators have witnessed a multiplicity of educational reforms make little to no effect on…

Given the rapid rate at which educational technology is continually evolving compounded by the rapid transition to digital learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and its aftermath, this research seeks to understand how one-to-one Chromebooks impact a variety of facets of the middle school science classroom. In three separate, yet related…

With recent advances in generative artificial intelligence, it may come as no surprise that AI influences our society in profound ways. This dissertation project examines how educational and social media platforms and their algorithms shape educational practices and the identity, digital literacies and views of middle school youth participants.…

Educators in the middle school classroom use mobile technology to supplement learning every day. This qualitative case study aimed to explore educators' perceptions and use of mobile technology policies and how they connect students to each other through technology. The findings of this study show that educator perceptions are independent of the…

The problem addressed by this study was the possible lack of consistent learning opportunities in digital literacy and assistive technology use for underachieving middle school students with learning disabilities in inclusive classrooms. This qualitative, exploratory, narrative inquiry study aimed to explore the stories of middle school teachers…

Middle school students are faced with many challenges. Puberty, social issues, and changes in the way that they learn can cause middle school to be a difficult time. An alarming number of students enter middle school with a reading deficiency--significantly below their grade level expectation. Students who are exceptional learners or are reluctant…

The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of middle school students and principals regarding digital citizenship practices and how these practices and behaviors are impacted by the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO). A phenomenological qualitative research study was conducted through three student focus groups, one principal focus group,…

The problem of practice being explored in this work was first identified at a suburban middle school in Massachusetts, where the assessment scores of students with learning disabilities were significantly lower than those of peers not on Individualized Education Plans. The collaboration between general education science teachers and special…

The genre of persuasive writing requires writers to independently probe their long-term memory to generate pertinent ideas that support their opinion on a given topic. However, many students with high-incidence disabilities struggle with the complex synergy of tasks involved in writing, and in particular generating ideas. A qualitatively dominant…

Adaptive collaborative learning support (ACLS) aims to facilitate collaborative activities by providing intelligent feedback and support based on students' collaboration. Existing ACLS systems have been applied in various collaborative environments, ranging from co-located collaboration in the classroom to online learning environments. While these…

Our country has a digital equity crisis, with many socioeconomically disadvantaged students disproportionately experiencing significant negative consequences from the digital divide. This program evaluation sought to investigate whether the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS) grant program decreases the consequences of the digital divide…

As the pace of digital transformation continues to accelerate in classrooms and myriad distractions vie for the attention of learners, the challenge of engaging students grows ever more daunting (Garet et al., 2020). To establish stimulating learning environments in which students associate positive emotions toward tasks, ascribe value to their…