Research
New papers from ed tech and student success journals, and preprints from arXiv and EdArXiv
Saturday, September 5
Flawed but Memorable: Student Critical Reception of Interest-Personalized GenAI Analogies in Computing Education
Motivation: Undergraduate computing students increasingly turn to generative AI (GenAI) tools to understand abstract concepts through analogies. Analogies compare an unfamiliar concept to something familiar, but judging whether the comparison holds requires knowledge of both. GenAI may also embed assumptions about who…
arxiv.orgThe influence of socratic dialogue within GenAI on critical thinking and technology perception
Abstract The increasing accessibility of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Generative AI (GenAI) and chatbots, highlights the need for users to develop critical thinking skills to evaluate information and understand these systems. While critical thinking is essential for interacting with such technologies,…
doi.org
Friday, September 4
Resonating or Missing the Mark? Indigenous Students’ Perspectives on University Marketing Communications
This study explores the perspectives of Indigenous Australian students on the marketing and communication materials of higher education institutions, highlighting their crucial role in attracting Indigenous students and revealing a lack of authentic engagement with Indigenous voices. While outreach and enabling…
doi.orgDesigning and Evaluating an Interactive Self-Compassion Exhibition as a Low-Threshold Student Well-Being Initiative in Thai Higher Education. A Practice Report
Student well-being is increasingly central to student engagement, belonging and success in higher education. Yet many students do not readily approach counselling or psychological services, especially when concerns are emerging or associated with stigma. This practice report describes and reflects on “SWU Heal Jai…
doi.org
Thursday, September 3
Decreasing Digital Distraction in College Students: Associated Online Learning Strategies Identified by Unsupervised Data Mining Approaches
The proliferation of digital tools in education offers numerous benefits but also introduces significant challenges, notably digital distractions that hinder academic performance, especially in online learning contexts. This study employed unsupervised data mining techniques, specifically association rule mining and…
arxiv.orgMaking Gender-Inclusive Practices Actionable: Evaluating a Research-Informed Computing Education Toolkit
The persistent gender imbalance in computing remains a global concern, and universities offer a key part of the pipeline to address it. Although research has identified practices that support under-represented student groups, translating this evidence into actionable guidance remains challenging. This paper first…
arxiv.orgWhen the algorithm enters the classroom: A critical integrative review of large language models, nursing education structural gaps, and the reconstitution of professional identity
Large language models (LLMs) are being integrated into nursing education at a pace that outstrips the field’s capacity to evaluate their consequences. Existing syntheses have mapped what LLMs can do in nursing contexts. Among those identified in this review, none has examined how their integration affects the…
doi.orgDifferentiated impacts of GenAI-supported self-regulated game-based science learning: a behavioural and epistemic network analysis of high- and low-achieving students
doi.org
Wednesday, September 2
Instructors’ perceptions of a large language model framework for generating automated multiple-choice questions from video transcripts
Abstract Video-Based Learning has become a central modality in digital education, with embedded Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) recognized as an effective strategy for promoting engagement and assessing comprehension. However, manually creating high-quality MCQs is challenging for instructors. This study presents a…
doi.org
Tuesday, September 1
Evaluating Usability in Biomedical Visualization: Rethinking Heuristic Evaluation for Spatial Omics and Multidisciplinary Research Platforms
Introduction: Clinical research informatics (CRI) platforms support biomedical discovery by integrating advanced computational tools into research workflows. Emerging technologies such as spatial omics and AI-enabled imaging expand research capabilities but introduce complex interfaces that increase cognitive burden…
arxiv.orgA five-study design-based research approach to co-design an institutional AI digital assistant
We report on a Design-Based Research (DBR) study that was conducted over a 13-month period to develop an institutional AI digital assistant (i-AIDA). Many students already use publicly available AI Digital Assistants (p-AIDA) like ChatGPT for academic purposes. However, there are concerns around the use of such p-AIDA…
doi.orgTrace-based measurement of self-regulated learning in primary mathematics: Implementation and validation within an adaptive learning platform
doi.orgFrom computer-supported collaborative learning to human–AI collaboration: CSCL research in fifty years of Computers & Education
doi.orgFrom citation to documented use: Computers & Education research in selected policy reports
doi.orgFifty years of topic development, thematic combination, and AI's evolving reach in Computers & Education
Across the first fifty years of Computers & Education , successive technologies entered an expanding educational agenda centered on teaching, learning, learner regulation, assessment, participation, access, and institutional conditions. This study examined how that agenda developed from 1976 through partial 2026. We…
doi.orgDevelopment and Validation of a Game-Based Assessment Tool for Computational Thinking Practices in Lower Primary Students
doi.orgMapping fifty years of technology-enhanced science and mathematics education in Computers & Education: Trends and connections with technologies, functions, and theories
This study reviewed 50 years of research on technology-enhanced science and mathematics education published in Computers & Education (1976–2026). Following PRISMA 2020 framework, 519 empirical studies were retained. BERTopic-based topic modeling was applied to derive the thematic structure of the corpus, and each…
doi.orgThe Cost of Resilience: Navigating Disability-Related Financial Tradeoffs Amid Systemic Neglect in College
Abstract: Students with disabilities confront disproportionate financial barriers in higher education, yet research has rarely explored how these students actively navigate disability-related expenses in pursuit of their degrees. This mixed methods study investigated experiences of 334 disabled undergraduates at…
doi.orgJewish Fraternity and Sorority Members’ Coping and Sensemaking Responses to Antisemitism
Abstract: Findings are presented from a national qualitative research study with members of traditionally Jewish fraternity and sorority chapters. It explores responses of Jewish students to a campus climate that, since October 7, 2023, has shifted to tension, confusion, and heightened emotion. In focus groups, Jewish…
doi.orgLiving the Major: A Grounded Model of Major and Career Choices for Disabled College Students
Abstract: Contemporary rhetoric about major and career choice often focuses on passion, interest, and personal agency. However, that can oversimplify decision making processes deeply intertwined with disability identity, health, and ableist barriers. Using data from a grounded theory study with 59 disabled college…
doi.orgThe Impact of College-Going Status and the Disruption of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Features of Emerging Adulthood
doi.orgACPA – College Student Educators International
doi.orgCollege Students from Immigrant Families: Meaning Making about Identity and Intersectional Complexity
Abstract: College students from immigrant families (CSIF) make up a growing portion of undergraduate enrollment in U.S. colleges and universities. While emerging studies have made important progress in understanding the experiences, educational pathways, and navigational strategies of these students, CSIF are often…
doi.orgSexual Orientation-Based Microaggressions, Coping Responses, and Adjustment to College
Abstract: The relations between sexual orientation-based microaggressions and emotional, academic, and social adjustment to college were examined in 241 sexual minority persons who completed an online survey. The mediating roles of five coping responses to discrimination (detachment, internalization, drug and alcohol…
doi.orgEmpowering Voices: The Role of a Writing Center in the Academic Success of International Doctoral Students
Abstract: This qualitative instrumental case study examines the role of a university Writing Center in supporting the academic success and socialization of international doctoral students at a public university in the Midwest. Guided by Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development and Lave and Wenger’s communities of…
doi.orgChallenging Classism in Student Affairs Units’ Basic Needs Programming
doi.orgThe Course Planning Process of Practitioner-Adjuncts in HESA Master’s Programs
Abstract: This study explores how practitioner-adjuncts, full-time student affairs practitioners who serve as adjunct instructors in higher education/student affairs (HESA) Master’s programs, engage in course planning and preparation. Based on interviews with 28 practitioner-adjuncts, findings describe a model of…
doi.orgOnline strategies instructors employ to support and enhance student engagement and learning in higher education
Over the past decade, evidence indicates more higher education (HE) students attracted to studying online. Important publications on this topic illustrate teachers’ and instructors’ growing awareness of the key conditions, elements, and dimensions that increase the likelihood of online student engagement and its…
doi.orgThe role of schemata in the Information Systems Success Model in bridging online learning equity
Initial cognitive structures (schemata) play a crucial role in the success of Information Systems (IS) in online learning environments, particularly in efforts to support conditions associated with learning equity. However, the IS Success Model has yet to define the role of schemata clearly. This study investigates…
doi.orgA predictive model to explain student persistence in blended and online courses in higher education
This study sought to identify the significant predictors of students' persistence in blended and online courses in higher education. Drawing from Choi's model (2016), a structural model, comprising eight predictive and three moderating variables, was tested. The sample was composed of 348 students enrolled at two…
doi.orgExploring the relation between cognitive presence, self-regulated learning, and learning transfer: Insights from medical sonography postgraduates
With the growing prevalence of online, flexible-delivery higher education programs, supporting students in developing higher-order thinking and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical work situations poses a significant challenge for educators in health disciplines. This exploratory study aims to…
doi.orgExploring the relationship between teaching presence, self-regulation, and co-regulation in online courses
This study explores the relationship between teaching presence and students’ self- and co-regulation, in online learning courses. Data were collected from 283 students enrolled in online courses using the Teaching Presence Scale of the Community of Inquiry survey and a Shared Metacognition Questionnaire. Descriptive…
doi.orgDiscord connects: Fostering social presence in higher education
Student engagement in online and blended learning environments depends on fostering social presence, yet institutional communication tools often fail to support the informal and dynamic interactions that build a sense of community. While Learning Management System discussion boards provide structured communication,…
doi.orgEmpowering educators: A pilot study on AI literacy in K–12 professional development
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape modern society, there is an urgent need to equip K–12 educators with the skills and confidence to integrate AI tools into their instructional practice. This pilot study examined the preliminary effectiveness of an asynchronous professional development course…
doi.orgEffects of a project management MOOC on employability skills and career self-perception: Comparing academic cohorts and free auditors in a pre-test/post-test design
This study examines the impact of a Project Management MOOC on self-perceived employability and career self-perception, comparing academic cohorts (AC) who enroll as part of formal education with free auditors (FA) who participate voluntarily. Drawing on a competence-based approach, we assess skill-based employability…
doi.orgCompetencies for online teaching assistants: Integrating technology, pedagogy, and communication skills
The integration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in higher education has transformed e-learning, however, challenges such as low course completion rates, limited learner engagement, and insufficient interaction persist. This study aims to develop a competency-based framework for teaching assistants…
doi.orgAnalysis of the pedagogical factors influencing the use and effectiveness of a game-based learning app from teachers’ perspectives
This study sought to identify key determinants influencing teachers' satisfaction with the use of a game-based learning application in pre-university education. To achieve this objective, a comprehensive research methodology was employed, integrating components from three theoretical frameworks: the Information…
doi.orgEvaluating TAM validity and reliability in mobile learning for students with disabilities in South African distance education
This study examined the psychometric properties of two primary domains: perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU) in the technology acceptance model (TAM), and their value in determining mobile learning (m-learning) usage among a sample of 220 students with disabilities (SwD) enrolled in a distance…
doi.orgReducing learner disorientation in MOOC learning paths: Evidence from a hybrid recommender system
Nonlinear learning, which aligns with natural thinking and addresses individual needs, has great potential for e-Learning. However, personalization in MOOCs through in-course recommenders remains limited, with only 18% adoption. Therefore, this research addresses on reducing learners’ disorientation by personalizing…
doi.orgOnline teaching in successive crisis contexts: Arab teachers’ perceptions in two emergency periods
This qualitative study explored 41 Arab-Israeli teachers’ perceptions of the transition to online learning during two crises: the COVID-19 pandemic and the Iron Swords War in Israel. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a conceptual framework, the study examined three central dimensions of teachers’ use of…
doi.orgStudent-content interaction and learning outcomes in MOOCs: The moderating role of self-efficacy
This study examines how self-efficacy moderates the relationship between student-content interaction and two key outcomes in Massive Open Online Courses: perceived course quality and sustained learning interest. Using survey data from 343 participants in the Learning How to Learn MOOC on Coursera, we employed…
doi.orgBeyond the screen: Students’ voices on synchronous online learning in higher education
This study explores students’ perceptions of synchronous learning during a period of rapid pedagogical transformation in higher education. Triggered by a systemic shift from traditional face-to-face instruction to online formats, institutions were compelled to redesign their teaching methods, communication channels,…
doi.orgExploring EFL students’ use of generative AI for academic writing: An extension of the UTAUT2 model
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has shown potential in supporting academic writing, yet limited research addressed the intention and actual use of this technology by foreign language students. To address this gap, the study employs an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2)…
doi.orgWhat drives Generation Z pre-service teachers’ acceptance of ChatGPT-assisted teaching practicum? The roles of enjoyment and trust
The growing presence of generative AI (GenAI) tools such as ChatGPT is reshaping teacher education, yet there is still limited empirical attention to the emotional and relational aspects that shape their willingness to adopt. This study extends the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by incorporating perceived enjoyment…
doi.orgDisconnected in the digital age: Barriers to flow in online learning
Disengagement among students learning online in higher education is an enduring challenge that can undermine learning outcomes, retention, and overall satisfaction. While engagement is widely recognized as essential to academic success, the unique conditions of online learning, such as reduced interpersonal…
doi.orgTeacher perspectives on challenges and opportunities for immersive virtual reality learning integration in Australian schools
The impact of using immersive virtual reality (iVR) technologies is well known across the recreational gaming, training, and healthcare sectors. However, iVR’s trajectory into education, especially across schooling contexts, is less known and at an early adoption phase. Only a few studies have deeply interrogated the…
doi.orgEnhancing deep learning in blended learning environments by investigating the interplay of self-regulated learning, social presence, cognitive load, and learning outcomes among pre-service teachers
Blended learning has become central to higher education, yet its capacity to promote deep learning depends on how cognitive, self-regulatory, and social factors are designed across online and face-to-face components. This study examined the relationships among cognitive load, self-regulated learning (SRL), social…
doi.orgA Dataset for Modeling Iterative Problem-Solving
Solving problems through repeated attempts is a sequential modeling task: at each step, the solver receives feedback and decides how to revise their solutions. Predicting whether performance improves, plateaus, or regresses across attempts is central to understanding any iterative problem-solving process in both human…
arxiv.org
Monday, August 31
Towards minding the disability achievement gap: the case of technology-enhanced inclusive embodied design for integer arithmetic
Abstract Whereas constructivist pedagogy promotes the use of interactive learning materials for students to make sense of new concepts, some concepts are difficult to concretize, and consequently educators might rely instead on axiomatic procedural rules. Such compromised educational design most affects students with…
doi.orgKnowing its name, not its nature: word association mapping of student AI cognition and evidence-based micro-credential design in Turkish higher education
Abstract Although artificial intelligence (AI) tools are now deeply embedded in Turkish university students’ academic lives, students’ cognitive representations of AI remain instrumentally oriented and structurally fragmented. This study presents a needs assessment for designing AI literacy micro-credential programmes…
doi.org