Artificial intelligence (AI), utilizing machine learning techniques to 'learn' from data, as humans learn from experiences, has the promise to perform various cognitive tasks, such as learning, thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making, which usually demands human cognition. In recent decades, the remarkable advancements in AI have led to its…

Maria Montessori established her first school almost 120 years ago. She prepared teachers herself through lectures as well as practice with Montessori manipulatives, and observation of classrooms. That method of preparing teachers had not changed significantly until recent years. Adult learners needed to attend class full-time in person, making it…

This dissertation was designed to better understand the perceptions of elementary teachers that use a digital platform to implement STEM. There was limited information about how and why elementary teachers lack the pedagogical practice and instructional tools needed to implement STEM in elementary school. In addition, the idea of STEM education is…

Virtual Reality (VR) and Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) are technologies that allow users to interact with virtual environments and can create and participate in digital educational experiences and simulations. Due to the VR and VLEs being relatively new technologies in education, acceptance, use, and finally adoption in a classroom…

The widespread digital gap significantly impacts educational achievements and fair access to resources, particularly in rural areas with limited technology and high-speed internet. This study explores strategies used by school administrators in five rural Southeast school districts to bridge the digital divide and overcome obstacles. Through…

Successful technology integration takes many forms and performs several functions, but at its core, the integration of technology into a curriculum must feel seamless, be student-centered, and begin with the end goal in mind. The purpose of this study was to explore how the role and function of middle and high school special education teachers…

Over the past few decades, online schools have witnessed exponential growth. Nevertheless, the body of research on their effectiveness and viability as educational options for students with disabilities, as well as their offerings for diverse learners, remains surprisingly sparse. This deficiency in evidence is noteworthy, especially as the demand…

Students with visual impairments deserve equal access to educational materials and have a legal right to accessible materials. This study explored the critical role and proficiencies of teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs) in acquiring digital accessible instructional materials (AIM). The Cultural-Historical Activity Theory,…

Administrative leaders in traditional schools have failed to manage resources, implement best practices, and successfully integrate information communication technology (ICT) platforms into K-12 programs. The purpose of this qualitative, transcendental phenomenological study was to explore and discover the lived experiences of administrative…

Required gateway courses in higher education present ongoing challenges to student persistence, retention, and degree completion. Adaptive learning technology (ALT) offers personalized support and generates learning analytics that can inform faculty teaching and course design practices. This qualitative case study examined faculty experiences with…

This dissertation presents three studies exploring mathematics interventions for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) including a review of literature and two intervention studies using manipulative based interventions. Specifically, the researcher conducted a systematic review of literature exploring the current state of the literature on…

The purpose of this case study is to build awareness of the Latinx school parents' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. This case study also explores how one's cultural intuition can help advocate for the Latinx parents and their school children during a novel time. To find this information, I interviewed 7 parents and found the emerging…

The rapid pace of globalization has contributed to the expansion of fully online programs and course offerings over the past decades. Additionally, the current COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the move to online instruction worldwide. Various challenges have become evident when transitioning to online education. Thus, this qualitative case study…

Colleges and Universities across the country closed campuses in March 2020 as the coronavirus spread worldwide and transformed into a pandemic. It became evident when the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made recommendations for social distancing that would not allow the return of normalcy on campus for the rest of the semester.…

This dissertation responds to the dearth of research in responding practice of instructors teaching in college composition online writing classrooms, especially addressing both how they do it and how "care-fully." More specifically, the dissertation investigates the responding thoughts and behaviors of instructors teaching writing within…