Studying the Classroom
EDLI’s projects in and around the classroom are at the center of our work to enhance the digital teaching and learning environment on campus. Each of these projects has been done in collaboration with one or more campus partners to engage students and faculty in creating a positive and productive learning environment.
-
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…
-
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…
-
Teaching Technical Writing with AI: A Study on ChatGPT’s Strengths and Limitations
The EDLI team recently completed an applied study examining ChatGPT’s role in technical writing education. This study investigates ChatGPT’s potential as both a way of modeling technical writing and a tool for critique. Students’ observations from the study noted that ChatGPT-generated instructions were well-structured and easy to follow but often lacked the detail, audience awareness,…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
EDLI presents on technology and teaching at Lilly Conference on Teaching and Learning
Caitlin Kirby, Hala Sun, and Min Zhuang each presented at the Traverse City Lilly Conference on Evidence-Based Teaching and Learning in October 2024
-
Tools and Tips on Teaching Gen Z
EDLI team members Hala Sun, Min Zhuang and Stephen Thomas recently presented about Tools and Tips for Teaching Gen Z students at the MSU Teaching Essentials series.
-
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…
-
Pilot Multimodal Classroom Recommendations
This document outlines recommendations for installing a set of multimodal classrooms to pilot during the 2021-22 academic year. The recommendations come from a group consisting of representatives from Agriculture & Natural Resources, Arts & Letters, Broad College of Business, College of Education, College of Natural Science, MSU Hub, MSU IT, and MSU Libraries. The following…