Digital Learning and Educational Technology Research Projects
We have multiple ongoing research projects. Please navigate to the corresponding project page for more information.
Current Projects
Conversational Agents for Young Learners
Explore two educational applications of conversational agents, including audio storybooks to promote early literacy skills and science videos to foster scientific thinking.
Investigating Virtual Learning Environments
Explore the effects of different types of virtual learning environments on teaching and learning processes, outcomes, and attitudes toward STEM in higher education.
Digital Scaffolding for English Language Arts
Examine the efficacy of Visual Syntactic Text Formatting (VSTF) on reading and writing outcomes
CONECTAR: Collaborative Network of Educators for Computational Thinking for All Research
We collaborate with university and K-12 researchers and practitioners to promote computational thinking for students in grades three through
CS1C@OC: Building a Local Area Network of Computer Science Teachers
Increase in-service teachers’ CS content knowledge and their competence and confidence in evidence-based pedagogical practices for teaching CS to diverse learners
Integrating Digital Storytelling in Classrooms
We collaborate with DIGICOM, a non-profit education organization in Palm Springs, CA, to develop professional development curriculum for teachers in PSUSD to use digital storytelling in classrooms.
Virtual Inclusion via Telepresence Robots
Investigate how telepresence robots are used in classrooms by home-bound students, their teachers, and classmates.
Cloud-Based Writing in K-12 Schools
Using collaborative writing on Google Docs to facilitate literacy learning in k-12
Corpora Use in Second Language Learning
Examine the effect of corpora use on second language vocabulary learning.
Investigating the Learning and Cost Effectiveness of a Blended English Language Program Implemented in a Developing Country
Measure the effectiveness of blended English language courses compared to traditional face-to-face instruction
Predicting Success, Preventing Failure: Using Learning Analytics to Predict At-Risk Students and Improve Retention in Online English Language Courses
Build a quantitative model to investigate how social engagement, online learning behavior, and student demographics may predict student persistence and performance in online courses