Research Projects
NoSQL Data Models
Data management curriculums are still – and for good reasons – very much focused on teaching relational databases and relational design principles. My research aims to address the need for teaching non-relational concepts alongside traditional relational databases in the curriculum. My objective is to provide a helpful starting point for MIS faculty unfamiliar with NoSQL.
Activities & Outcomes
- Presented initial paper at AMCIS
Key Faculty and Collaborators
- Martina Greiner, Ph.D.
Investigating Online & Digital Learning Pedagogy
Upon receiving their degrees, freshly minted PhDs are immediately assumed to be good educators as well as researchers, even though pedagogy is often not part of PhD programs. Online education adds an additional layer of complexity to the effort of providing outstanding teaching.
My research focuses on examining and integrating current thought on pedagogy for online, digital, and mobile instruction, as well as testing widely held assumptions and innovative technologies and practices.
Activities & Outcomes
- Published findings at SIGITE and Decision Sciences Institute conferences, and in Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice
- Published chapter on building an online capstone course in “Digital Media in Teaching and its Added Value.
- Shared findings with UNO and NU community at UNO Digital Learning showcase conferences and NU Innovation in Pedagogy and Technology symposia
Key Faculty and Collaborators
- Paul J.A. van Vliet, Ph.D.
Remote Learning - Lessons Learned in the Pandemic
This project examines the challenges encountered in higher learning following the rapid change to online and remote learning during the 2020 Covid pandemic. These challenges include access to and the use of learning technologies, the design of remote learning pedagogies, and the effects of remote learning on student engagement and student performance. The experience gained in online and remote teaching during the pandemic can inform online learning efforts moving forward.
Activities & Outcomes
- Published paper focused on student engagement in the Decision Sciences Institute 2024 Pedagogy Conference.
Key Faculty and Collaborators
- Paul J.A. van Vliet, Ph.D.
Work-Learn Micro-internships for scalable workforce
development among adults experiencing homelessness
This project investigates the efficacy of a Work-Learn model for providing individuals experiencing homelessness with the skills and scaffolding that will enable them to enter the job market. The research team examines the impact of integrating micro-internships with online courses in computational thinking, COBOL, and Python for homeless adult learners. The Work-Learn model could potentially produce scalable online training that is adaptable for previously unreached populations.
Activities & Outcomes
- Funded by Facebook Research, Engagement Scholarship Consortium, and the National Science Foundation (#2100355)
- 42 adults trained in enterprise computing careers
Key Faculty and Collaborators
- Margeret Hall, Ph.D.
- Michelle Friend, Ph.D., UNO Teacher Education
- Alexandra Pavlakis, Ph.D., Southern Methodist University
Broadening Participation in Computing
In this area, we seek to broaden the participation in computing by organizing workshops to train teachers/K12 students and collaborating with the community.
Past workshops have been developed to train middle/high school teachers, middle/high school students, students from underrepresented groups in computing, broadening the participation of undergraduates in research.
Activities & Outcomes
- NSF supported activities to train teachers in CS and involve undergraduates in research
- Google CS4HS for training teachers in K-12 CS
- IEEE Computer Society support to conduct outreach activities for middle schools
- Participated in developing CS standards for the State of Nebraska in 2023
Key Faculty and Collaborators
- Alfredo J. Perez, Ph.D., UNO CS Lead and UNO STEM TRAIL Fellow
- Kate Cooper, Ph.D., UNO
- Derek Babb, Ph.D., UNO
- Derrick Nero, Ph.D., UNO