Our Research

Some of the faculty in the Ed.D. Program in Educational Technology Leadership are affiliated with the Center for Innovative Learning and Assessment Technologies (CILAT). Thefollowing research is conducted in CILAT.

Relevant and Practice-Based Research

Faculty and students in the Ed.D. Program in Educational Technology Leadership are engaged in applied research that is relevant and practical. In the mean time, theory and research on teaching, learning, and technology guide their educational practice. The following are some examples of their current work that integrates research and practice:

Robotics and Design Thinking

The faculty in the Ed.D. Program in Educational Technology Leadership developed robotics programs that help children learn 21st Century Skills and design thinking skills. The faculty coached two First LEGO League teams, Team Phoenix and Team Athena. These teams have won a series of awards at the state competitions in the last few years. In summer 2014, Team Phoenix will represent Louisiana to compete at the First Lego League International Open in Toronto.

In the recently published Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), engineering design is raised to the same level as scientific inquiry as an important process and practice to teach to K-12 students. Faculty in this program have been engaged in research and development in this area. In addition to robotics, the faculty have been studying the use of design activities such as marshmallow challenge, squishy circuits, marble run, wind mill, straw rockets, and wind tube to teach design thinking and collaboration.

Technology-Enhanced Pedagogical Laboratory for Teachers

Another area of our research and practice involves developing and implementing professional development programs that train teachers to use a variety of technological tools to promote active learning and improve students’ motivation, engagement, and learning. Some of the tools include:

Visualization tools such as graphic organizers and Google Earth
Presentation and knowledge construction tools such as Google Docs, iMovie, Prezi, Haiku Deck, and Keynote
Adaptive learning tools such as Knewton
Communication and collaboration tools including Google Apps and social media
Data analysis tools such as Excel, Google Spreadsheet, Infogr.am
Information research tools
Tools for teaching science and engineering, such as sensors, LEGO WeDo, and LEGO Mindstorm
Social media as professional development tools
Class management tools such as ClassDojo and Remind 101
Mobile devices and educational apps

Innovative Educational Software Development

The faculty in the Ed.D. Program in Educational Technology Leadership have been developing educational software and tools to improve student learning of mathematics, language, social studies, architecture, and science in both formal and informal environments. The following are some examples:

Archimedes’ Roost: An iPad and iPhone app that teaches addition and subtraction with Montessori blocks and wooden strips in a 3D environment.
Geographia: An iPad and iPhone app that teaches US states and capitals.
Shi Zi 1, Shi Zi 2, Shi Zi 3: A series of iPad and iPhone apps that teach basic Chinese characters.
Thinking Design: An iPad and iPhone app that teaches design thinking and the science behind architectural design.
Arbographia: Place-based apps for iPhone and iPad.