When accessing the internet, smartphones allow users to access social media, search for information, and communicate with others while on the go. Smartphones no longer only provide a way to connect; this technology also allows people relate to others and maintain their relationships. This study explores (a) student smartphone use behaviors, (b)…

In this study, the researcher explored the experiences of adult learners in Nigerian universities using smartphones and mobile learning applications to access, facilitate, and enhance learning. The study focused on how these technologies impact students' learning, particularly seamless access to numerous learning resources, enjoyment, cost, and…

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) lives use technology in many ways that are seldom examined. The problem to be addressed by this study is that computer science scholarship is failing to examine the end-user experiences and possible concerns regarding LGBTQ+ identities and their ICT and internet use. LGBTQ+…

The integration of behavioral sensing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has increasingly proven invaluable across various domains, offering profound insights into human behavior, enhancing mental health monitoring, and optimizing workplace productivity. This thesis presents five pivotal studies that employ smartphone, wearable, and laptop-based…

Student activism has been part of the American college experience since the beginning of American higher education (Thelin, 2004). American college students participated in physical demonstrations and protests throughout the history of higher education in the United States. College students continue to protest for their concerns and issues on…

Second language confidence (L2C) is considered a central component in language learning as it can affect the processes and outcomes of second language acquisition (Dornyei, 2005). According to the functional model proposed by Sampasivam and Clement (2014), the two determinants that build towards L2C are "self-involvement" and…

Sexual violence, including street harassment, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape, is a ubiquitous problem, particularly for college-aged women, with wide-reaching effects, such as increased anxiety, depression, stress, self-blame, guilt, and poorer sleep quality and lower self- esteem. Although there are federally-mandated sexual violence…

Computers and mobile electronic devices in college and university learning environments present opportunity and risk. Paradoxically, such devices can add unprecedented value to the learning process while simultaneously presenting the risk of causing or exacerbating stress. College and university student populations have historically displayed high…

Many key factors -- including but not limited to -- sleep, nutrition, travel, stress, and practice influence the optimization of athletic performance. Although previous studies have investigated the use of wearable technology in sport to track several such factors, peer-reviewed research specific to WHOOP technology is limited at best. The purpose…

Smartphones and their impact on academic success was chosen as the research topic for this dissertation. This was chosen because smartphones have become very popular tools for many people, especially for students in an educational setting. Further, the use of these devices and others, such as laptops and tablets, has aided students in boosting…

This dissertation explores the possibilities and limitations of conducting research on college student identity in the digital age. Utilizing philosophical theories from complexity theory, post-qualitative research, and new materialisms, I interrogate, question, disrupt, and challenge current theories and models of college student identity,…

This study sought to help news industry professionals and educators tailor their services to a young audience that has grown up among a plethora of media options. To better reach and educate today's up-and-coming media professionals, those in the industry need a better understanding of modern media students' perspectives of news. This study used Q…

This study reports the opinions of Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) students to facilitate positive change in our educational system as we prepare our students for a competitive global economy. IMSA is a recognized leader in math and science education through exemplary inquiry-based methodologies. Students need new skills for citizenship,…

Although use of social media by students has been shown to be nearly ubiquitous, many K-12 school systems have banned its use on their campuses or use between their teachers and students. In contrast, many collegiate faculty have utilized social media in their teaching. Social media has been shown to assist faculty in engaging with students,…

This dissertation examines how "modern literacy" and "contemporary writing" are increasingly influenced by technology from a critical pedagogical perspective. The study develops a definition of literacy that takes into account a reliance on technology, particularly computers, in our writing classes and writing lives. With a focus on one particular…