Research

• Observations for blended courses – what we’re learning

  One of the most exciting times for a researcher (I think) is beginning to analyze data. At this stage, you get a first peek into what your research is finding and hints at what broader patterns may be uncovered. We’re at that stage in EDLI’s blended courses grant. Blended courses, or those that take place…

  Rachel Szczytko

  August 19, 2025

  hybrid, Research

• Observations for blended courses – why we do them 

  Researchers are often observing the world around them, but what’s the difference between an everyday observation and a scientific observation used in research? Observations, or first-hand eyewitness accounts, have been utilized in research since the 1920s (Flick, 2014; Schwandt, 2014). Even though collecting visual data is not a new technique, it can still be an…

  Rachel Szczytko

  August 12, 2025

  hybrid, Research

• EDLI at 2025 Spring TALKS: Sharing Innovations in Teaching and Learning 

  The EDLI team participated in 2025 Spring TALKS, presenting a range of projects that reflect our commitment to inclusive, evidence-based, and technology-enhanced teaching. Across two days of presentations, EDLI team members shared tools, research findings, and frameworks that support teaching, ranging from midsemester feedback systems to generative AI for neurodivergent support, and a campus-wide view…

  Min Zhuang

  June 6, 2025

  AI, Midsemester, Presentations, Research

• Beginning My Dissertation Research: Recruiting Interview Participants at BMCC

  After months of preparation, refining my research questions, and navigating the IRB process, I’m excited to share that I am officially beginning data collection for my dissertation! This milestone marks the start of an in-depth exploration of online course design quality at Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), with Bay Mills Community College (BMCC) as my…

  Sarah Wellman

  February 25, 2025

  collaboration, online learning, Quality Matters, Research

• Navigating the IRB Process for Generative AI Research

  Figure: The IRB Process for Generative AI Research. This figure may be shared and used freely with proper attribution to the creator. When I embarked on my research project analyzing student surveys using ChatGPT, I knew I needed to go through the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process. My goal was to explore whether ChatGPT—or any…

  Hala Sun

  February 21, 2025

  AI, generative AI, IRB, Research

• ChatGPT for natural sciences course design: Insights from a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis

  EDLI team members recently published an article on instructor uses of ChatGP in course planning and content generation among educators. This study examines the initial perspectives of a cohort of five instructors (N = 5) who participated in a 5-day workshop introducing ChatGPT 4.0 for course development. The findings highlighted ChatGPT’s strengths in enhancing course design efficiency,…

  Scott Schopieray

  December 16, 2024

  AI

• Report: Year One of IUSE Grant Improving Learning Outcomes & Equity in Blended Learning

  Recently, EDLI completed our first year running a National Science Foundation (NSF) Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE) grant that focuses on improving learning outcomes and equity in blended online and face-to-face learning. Caitlin Kirby is the PI of this grant, along with collaborator Casey Henley as co-PI, and Scott Schopieray and Stephen Thomas serving as…

  Caitlin Kirby

  December 2, 2024

  hybrid, Research

• Unpacking the Impact of Course Modality on Student Performance

  In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, flexible modalities that blur the lines between “online” and “in-person” courses continue to be explored. Recently, EDLI was invited to assist biological science faculty in evaluating the impact of course modality on student performance. This assessment aimed to determine whether an online format for this gateway biological science…

  Min Zhuang

  November 5, 2024

  hybrid

• EDLI Receives National Science Foundation Grant to Improve Blended Courses

  EDLI has received a National Science Foundation Improving Undergraduate STEM Education grant of $400k to support research aiming to improve student learning outcomes and equity in blended online and in-person courses. Co-PIs Dr. Caitlin Kirby, EDLI’s Associate Director of Research, and Dr. Casey Henley, Director of Online Programs for the Neuroscience Program and Assistant Professor,…

  Caitlin Kirby

  October 6, 2023

  hybrid

• Instructor Challenges, Strategies, and Satisfaction in Blended Courses: a Case Study

  The EDLI team has been studying Hyflex teaching and learning practices for the past 2 years. Some of our work highlighting instructor challenges, strategies and recommendations was recently published in TechTrends. Abstract and link to the article below. Abstract:Blended courses offer a mix of in-person and online attendance options, with an emphasis in our study…

  Scott Schopieray

  August 25, 2023

  hybrid