Conducting graduate studies in an online program can be isolating for students. This qualitative case study explores the way one online doctoral cohort utilized a text-based communication channel to keep in touch and encourage each other throughout the dissertation writing and defense phase of their program. Using Social Presence Theory and Social…

This paper is a reflective response to Tena Thau's suggestion -- in her 2024 piece 'Moral Philosophy as War Propaganda' -- that philosophy has little to teach about the war in Gaza (and, by extension, similar cases of widespread, horrific human suffering). I first reconstruct one of the arguments that Thau makes in her piece. I then show that her…

'Group work' is a vague description of an instructional activity, because many factors shape its character and effect on students. One important factor is group formation, that is, how groups are formed by the instructor. In this paper, we sought to better understand the variation of group work with respect to group formation by addressing: How do…

This exploratory study evaluates the effectiveness of an online instructional vocabulary module in enhancing parents' understanding of early childhood vocabulary development and how to demonstrate this in a home environment. Forty-one parents viewed the vocabulary video and completed pre- and post-surveys. While most parents could define…

This study evaluates the Programming the Acceleration of Computing Education (PACE) Framework for Computer Science (CS) Systems Change, developed to promote equitable access to CS education for middle school students. Funded by an Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Early-Phase Grant, the intervention aimed to increase student understanding,…

In this mixed-methods study, the researchers examined students' perceptions of the importance of engagement using existing learner-to-learner, learner-to-instructor, and learner-to-content frameworks. To optimise the most effective ways to engage online learners, the researchers identified engagement strategies that are most valuable and least…

In recent years, digital education has become a cornerstone of higher education, particularly following the rapid expansion of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The specific objective of this study was to identify the key affordances (critical factors) and essential features for effective digital course design within higher education.…

This study applied Lambert's 3R framework (redistributive, recognitive, and representational justice) to explore the impact of social justice framing and open educational practices on undergraduate students' perceptions. Using a within-subjects design, 191 participants were exposed to four hypothetical course syllabi, each reflecting different…

This case study of a new instructor orientation describes a course to prepare faculty to facilitate courses in a university's online programs. This case study provides a detailed description of the course, rationale for design decisions, theoretical and pedagogical frameworks that guided the design, and results from course participant and Academic…

In the context of rapid digitalization of higher education, understanding the psychological and technological factors that influence students' intention to continue studying online becomes essential. Models such as the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB), while effective in explaining behavior, often overlook…

Biochemistry and molecular biology is an experimental discipline and therefore training students in experimental techniques and data analysis is an essential component of undergraduate degrees. However, the amount of practical work may be limited by financial constraints and can vary considerably in the quality of the student experience. We were…

Understanding controversial issues is important for students to develop as future democratically participating citizens. However, addressing them can be challenging for teachers and there is a clear need for increased knowledge about how to deal with them in teaching. This article examines the strategies applied by civics teachers when teaching…

This case study explores the perceived social presence of 15 non-traditional graduate students engaged in a collaborative activity within a practice-oriented online course. Grounded in the Community of Inquiry framework and principles of collaborative learning, the activity was intentionally designed to include instructor facilitation, structured…

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed various educational domains, including engineering education. Despite AI's growing prevalence, limited research has explored the determinants influencing engineering students' acceptance of AI. This study investigates the factors shaping AI acceptance among…

Although the role of psychological needs in supporting language learning is well established, less is known about how these needs operate in different online learning modes. This study investigates how basic psychological needs satisfaction (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness) is associated with students' willingness to communicate (WTC),…