Coursework

EDIT 8100 – Foundations​

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The objective of the Foundations course is to begin the process of framing our research in the broader LDT community.  In this course, I discovered an area of focus for my research on the concept of computational craft in relation to the theory of constructionism.  Constructionism is a learning approach developed by Seymour Papert.  It extends upon the notion of Constructivist theory by including the addition that we learn best when we “construct” something.  I’m beginning to explore the concept of computational craft. Foundations introduced the philosophical realm of doctoral study through readings of Dewey’s Democracy & Education.  We also explored research methods through the analysis of Creswell & Creswell.  An interesting approach to our scholarship was through the exploration of different learning spaces such as a trip to the Museum of Art and Science in Atlanta.  There was an option to gain teaching experience by facilitating an online session for the EDIT 6100E course.

EDIT 8190 – Design Studio​

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In the Design Studio course, we were introduced to the concept of design research and how this approach could be useful for our field of LDT.  This approach focuses more on the design of interventions and less on the theory, which is a major departure for most LDT research.  My design for this course was a Scratch workshop with a local Girl Scout troop.  In my design, I had to navigate a constraint of developing Scratch material for learners ranging in grade levels of second through twelfth.  I devised a solution to use tangible blocks for the lower grade level learners and design challenges based on the concept of “software design” for the older girls.  The event was successful.  However, results indicated the younger learners got more out of the event compared to the older learners.

EDIT 8290 – Design-Based Research Methodology​

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In the design-based research methodology (DBR) course, we explore this research methodology as an option for LDT research.  The objectives for this course is to identify DBR in literature, lead discussions around a DBR topic, and develop a DBR project.  We’ve had discussions regarding characteristics of DBR.  Several speakers that engage in DBR research have given presentations to the class.  My design project will feature introducing a craft technology project with two Brownie scouts.  I’m currently in the data analysis phase of the project.  A report of my project’s findings is in progress. 

EDIT 8990 – Doctoral Seminar​

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In the doctoral seminar, we reflect and discuss the process of becoming scholars. We’re regarded as young scholars.  The course focuses on guiding us through our transition into scholarly thinking.  One of the activities that we did to gain practice in familiarizing ourselves with academic writing was through a Journal analysis of the major academic journals.   The course also features presentations from faculty and peers walking us through their journey in academia.  During the Spring session of the doctoral seminar course, we’ve practiced refining our research through incubation sessions.

EDIT 9990 – Conceptual Framework​

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In the conceptual framework course, we explore writing and reading literature significant to our research.  The course features group writing workshops to help with some of the challenges to academic writing.  The objective for the first-year doctoral students is to work on creating annotated bibliographies for our conceptual framework paper.