Instructional technology and learning sciences

Jasmine is a senior in the HEDI program at Utah State University and a dedicated member of the Honors Program. As an online student, she initially joined Honors for its flexibility, but what she discovered went far beyond that. Honors challenged her to think deeper, ask better questions, and embrace growth through meaningful academic work. Jasmine learned that Honors isn’t meant to be easy, it’s meant to push you, and that challenge became one of the most rewarding parts of her experience. Through the program, she connected with inspiring mentors, advisors, and peers who encouraged her to pursue her goals and step confidently into new opportunities. Their support has been instrumental in her academic and personal growth, shaping her desire to pursue meaningful work in the future. Her advice to students considering Honors? You have nothing to lose. It’s not about being “smarter”, it’s about thinking differently, embracing challenges, and building connections that truly matter. We’re excited to see where Jasmine’s journey takes her next! 💫

Meet Jasmine Banman 🌟 Honors student, and lifelong learner. Honors pushed her to think deeper, grow through challenges, and connect with mentors and peers. Excited to see what’s next! 💫

#ITLS #InstructionalTechnology #LearningScience #STEMEducation #EdTech #ChooseITLS #FutureEducators #EdTechDegree

sariah stands next to a large projection screen displaying her presentation. Her study is about AI as qualitative coders at the Decision Sciences Institute (DSI) 2025 Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. The conference theme , “Revolutionizing Decision-Making: Technology and Human Collaboration” , aligned closely with her work. For the past few years, Saríah has been examining how effective AI can be in qualitative data analysis, and her collaboration with Ruben Pacheco from Universidad Espíritu Santo of Ecuador applies these insights to support marketing researchers from a business perspective. 📊🤖✨

Sariah stands smiling in the lobby of the 2025 DSI Annual Conference venue, wearing a conference badge. Above her head is a large blue welcome banner that reads “Welcome to 2025 DSI Annual Conference , Revolutionizing Decision-Making: Technology and Human Collaboration.”

Sariah stands beside a large projector screen while presenting her study. She is explaining the methods section, describing how prompting ALMs are used for AI coding with binary outcomes, and how training sessions involve human coding with binary outcomes. Both sources feed into the study’s analysis and interpretation.

ITLS PhD student Saríah López-Fierro presented her AI-as-coder research at DSI 2025 in Orlando. 🤖📊
#InclusiveLearning #CommunityMatters #Collaboration #Innovation #Motivation #ThinkPositive #StayCurious #LearningCommunity

headshot of Dr. Justis ITLS alum Dr. Nate Justis is leading Utah State University’s new Collaboratory for Innovation in Teaching and Leadership, created with support from the Emma Eccles Jones Foundation. After his Fulbright experience studying Singapore’s teacher-led learning teams, Dr. Justis proposed creating a June conference for early-career educators in Northern Utah, which became the Utah LEARNS (Learning for Educators and Researchers Through Network Systems) Conference. The LEARNS Conference connects elementary educators across Utah to share expertise, access research, and strengthen professional practice. Building on this success, the Collaboratory will provide mentorship, networking opportunities, statewide learning teams, observation days, and professional learning hubs to support early-career teachers and improve retention across Utah.

The group looks at sticky notes while another person explains the notes.

Dr. Nate Justis, ITLS alum, is leading USU’s new Collaboratory for Innovation in Teaching and Leadership and the Utah LEARNS Conference, a space for strengthening support for early-career teachers across Utah. ✨
#AggieAlumni #USUAlumni #CareerPathways #EdTechCareers #PhDCareer #GraduateSuccess

in the photo Stephen Kwame Ameko is presenting his study in a roundtable session to other people. His study is about “Bridging the Virtual Divide: Insights from Secondary Data on Technologies and Distance Learning in Ghana.” Drawing on Digital Divide Theory and a systematic review of studies from 2018 - 2025, Stephen unpacked how technologies like Learning Management Systems (LMS), video conferencing, and virtual simulations continue to shape, and sometimes deepen, inequalities in online education. Key findings highlighted that while digital platforms expand flexibility and engagement, barriers such as limited broadband access, digital literacy gaps, and uneven institutional resources still challenge Ghanaian distance learners. Stephen’s study calls for evidence-based interventions: digital skills training, affordable devices, hybrid learning models, and infrastructure investments to create a more inclusive and equitable distance education landscape in Ghana.

Stephen Kwame Ameko’s AECT research reveals how tech shapes both progress and inequality in Ghana’s distance learning, and why inclusive solutions matter.
#AECT#conference #StudentLife #ITLSStudents #LearningMatters #HandsOnLearning #StudentExperience #CampusLife #InclusiveLearning #StudentSuccess

Shaf Ahmad stands at a podium presenting a research study he conducted with Sariah López. A presentation slide is projected behind him as he speaks to the audience at the AECT 2025 conference.

Sariah López and Shaf Ahmad conducted a study exploring how ChatGPT can support students’ emotional well-being through a Design-Based Research approach. Shaf ahmaf presented it at #AECT2025
#ITLS #InstructionalTechnology #LearningScience #STEMEducation #EdTech #ChooseITLS #FutureEducators

A photo of Dr.Walker with the learner engagement board at the AECT membership meeting

A selfie with Dr. Walker and Drs. Lili Yan, Chongning Sun, and Min Yuan (L-R)

A group of PhD students present their study in a round table session

Proud to see Dr. Andy Walker and our ITLS students presenting and connecting at AECT 2025!

#InclusiveLearning #CommunityMatters #Collaboration #Innovation #Motivation #ThinkPositive #StayCurious #LearningCommunity

Zahra, Stephen, and Shaf present their team’s work during a roundtable session at the AECT conference, discussing ideas with other participants around a table

Zahra, Stephen, and Shaf (left to right) stand together smiling in front of a presentation screen displaying the word “AI” after their roundtable session at the AECT conference.

Awesome teamwork from ITLS PhD students on a project about ChatGPT and English learning! Presented by Zahra Jahani, Shaf Ahmad, and Stephen Ameko at AECT 2025. 💡👏
#ITLSFaculty #ResearchInEducation #AcademicResearch #InstructionalDesign #InnovationInLearning #HigherEdResearch #EdTechResearch

At the AECT conference event, Shaf Ahmad, a PhD student in ITLS, stands with another man while holding a certificate recognizing him as the 2025 Outstanding Reviewer. Bluesky: Congrats to ITLS PhD student Shaf Ahmad on the 2025 Outstanding Reviewer Award! 👏

Shaf Ahmad’s award certificate

We’re so proud of Shaf’s excellence in scholarly service and his contributions to advancing research in educational technology and learning sciences. 🌟

#Scholarships #Internships #Workshops #ConferenceHighlights #ResearchOpportunities #LearningOpportunities #AggieEvents #AcademicOpportunities

AILisia Dawkins, a PhD student in ITLS, has been selected as a 2025-26 Graduate Fellow for the Center for Intersectional Gender Studies & Research. The fellowship recognizes outstanding graduate student leaders who are committed to intersectional research and practice, supporting an equitable and inclusive climate across USU’s statewide campuses. Fellows can use the support to advance their research, leadership, and work with students and community initiatives that promote equity and inclusion.

Big congratulations to AlLisia Dawkins, ITLS PhD student, for being named a 2025-26 Graduate Fellow at USU! If you want more, check the alt text.
#StudentLife #ITLSStudents #LearningMatters #HandsOnLearning #StudentExperience #CampusLife #InclusiveLearning #StudentSuccess

Bolaji completed the Sandra K. Abell Emerging Scholars Fellowship at Northwestern University. Her research focuses on identity development, equity in informal science education, language socialization, and broadening the participation of youth in STEM. At the fellowship, she connected with science education peers, received mentorship from senior scholars, and refined her research ideas with valuable interdisciplinary feedback. She shared that preparing for the fellowship encouraged her to think about the real-world impact of her work, how to communicate it effectively to diverse audiences, and how to position her research for both scholarly advancement and meaningful community change. One of her key insights was realizing the value of learning from others who approach similar questions from different perspectives, which strengthened her own understanding of the importance and impact of her research in science education. Her advice to other doctoral students: take advantage of opportunities like the Abell Fellowship to seek feedback, mentorship, and encouragement these are invaluable for growth as an emerging scholar.

Bolaji just completed the Sandra K. Abell Emerging Scholars Fellowship at Northwestern! 🌟 A big step in her journey to advance inclusion in STEM.
#Scholarships #Internships #Workshops #ConferenceHighlights #ResearchOpportunities #LearningOpportunities #AggieEvents #AcademicOpportunities

On July 9, 2025, Dr. Deborah Fields helped open the national Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) meeting with a keynote on “Learning about Algorithm Auditing: How High School Youth Can Systematically and Critically Evaluate Machine Learning Applications.” 🎤✨ Over 1,200 teachers registered for the event! Algorithm auditing gives students (and all of us) a way to understand AI and machine learning by testing algorithms, spotting harmful bias, and seeing how these systems shape our lives. Dr. Fields shared lessons her team designed where students both audit and build machine learning systems, from TikTok filters to motion detectors. Want to explore more? 🌟 📄 Resources & videos: https://tinyurl.com/j9er5rur 📩 Lesson updates coming Fall 2025: https://tinyurl.com/mppjac5z

Please take a moment to check the alt text

 #CSTA #CSTA2025 #CSEducation #USUUpdates #ITLSNews #Award #Opportunities #StayCurious

Our ITLS and SPERC students had an amazing time at the Utah Conference on Community Engagement! Chasity Mayo shared how the Lawrence lab works side-by-side with community partners throughout the research process. Malin Scharmann, Anna Oborn, and Kara James led a thoughtful poster on how working on a co-design project helped them grow both personally and professionally. Big thanks to Dr. Lawrence for guiding the team

Our ITLS and SPERC students presented at the Utah Conference on Community Engagement.
To know more, check the alt text!
#StudentLife #Students #StudentSuccess #LearningMatter #Study #Scholarship

Congrats to ITLS PhD student Rida Munir for presenting her research at the AAPT Conference! Her study explores how physics students connect concepts from physics and math, advancing Physics Education Research. 👏

#ITLS #InstructionalTechnology #LearningScience #STEMEducation #EdTech

Our ITLS + SPERC faculty & students, along with amazing IDRPP staff, wrapped up the year with a co-design game called Route to Success! Teams built routes and tackled roadblocks to help students with disabilities reach their post-school goals. Collaboration, creativity, and a whole lot of heart went into this final session with our school district partners!

Exciting news from Dr. Lu Lawrence’s team! Check the ALT text for more details.
#StudentLife #Students #StudentSuccess #LearningMatter #Study #Scholarship

ISLS 2026 Annual Meeting will be in Irvine, CA, June 15-19! Early submission deadline: Oct 5, 2025.
Details: 2026.isls.org

#Research #Academic #Collaboration #Conference #AcademicMembers

What if teachers had the Elder Wand?
HEDI grad Malin Scharmann and Dr. Lawrence used this magical Harry Potter-inspired prompt to spark creativity in their co-design research with teachers.
Imagination fuels innovation in education.
#StudentLife #Students #StudentSuccess #LearningMatter #Study

Their paper, "Self-Determined Storytelling: Native Youths’ Digital Restorying Practices in an American Indian Education Summer Camp," was nominated for Best Paper at ISLS 2025. The research explores how Native youth use digital tools such as iPads, video editing apps, and stop-motion animation to reclaim and share their own cultural and personal stories. The study emphasizes self-determination, highlighting how youth chose how, whose, and what stories were told. This work contributes to culturally sustaining pedagogy and supports healing through storytelling and technology.

Congrats to Dr. Breanne Litts, Dallas Haws, Christina Morgan, Eileen Quintana, Analysa Allison, and Tifiny Mills on receiving the ISLS 2025 Outstanding Short Paper award 👏🌿 To learn more, check the alt text.
#USUUpdates #ITLSNews #Award #Opportunities #StayCurious

🎉 Congrats to Dr. Mimi Recker, newly named ISLS Fellow for her impact on AI in education, learning analytics & STEM equity! 🌟👏 we are so proud of our amazing faculty members ☺️
#ITLS #InstructionalTechnology #LearningScience #STEMEducation #EdTech

🎉 ITLS PhD student Rida Munir presented at the 2025 Learning & Instructional Technology Conference!

Her research shows students refine their understanding of energy when teachers support them in exploring their own ideas.

#Research #Academic #Collaboration #Conference #AcademicMembers

Dr. Ramy Shaaban has been named Undergraduate Faculty Mentor of the Year. He is recognized for his exceptional mentorship of HEDI students through real-world, skill-building projects such as a VR nursing program and the development of USU’s new campus on Roblox. Dr. Shaaban has achieved a 100% success rate in mentoring students through internships and capstone projects. He believes mentorship means preparing students for the realities of the workplace and helping them navigate the industry. He emphasizes the importance of understanding what employers are truly looking for, encouraging students to read job postings carefully and align their academic paths with future career goals. He advises students to choose thesis topics, internships, and jobs that directly support the careers they want. His top tip for success: treat every task like it belongs in your professional portfolio, and document your work. Reflecting on his own journey, he shares that he wishes someone had told him early on to make career-focused decisions when selecting classes and internships.

We’re so proud! Dr. Ramy Shaaban received the Undergraduate Faculty Mentor of the Year award for his incredible support of HEDI students. Check the alt text to learn how he helps students succeed.

#ITLS #InstructionalTechnology #LearningScience #STEMEducation #EdTech

Chasity, a PhD student at ITLS , received an honorable mention from the prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) 🌟. Her innovative research explores how teachers and young students can become teammates in navigating generative AI, with a focus on empowering students to think critically and reflect on how they use AI tools. She believes students bring valuable expertise to the table and should be active, informed participants in the tech they use. 💡👩‍🏫👧 For those interested in applying, Chasity recommends attending the NSF GRFP workshop series at USU 🏫, which provides mentorship and regular feedback. ✍️ She also encourages starting early when asking for letters of recommendation. While the GRFP isn’t a dissertation fellowship, it offers broad support throughout a student’s graduate journey 🎓✨

🌟 Congrats to Chasity, ITLS PhD student, on her NSF GRFP Honorable Mention! 👩‍🏫👧💡
Want to know more about her work? Check out the alt text!
@usu_itls
#StudentLife #Students #StudentSuccess #LearningMatter #Study #Scholarship

This post highlights Dr. Stephanie Allen Egbert, a graduate of the ITLS PhD program at Utah State University. She joined USU in 2001 after completing most of her PhD coursework at another university. She finished the program in just two years: one year of classes and one year for her dissertation. Stephanie chose USU because of its national reputation and supportive faculty. She says one of the best parts of the program was learning alongside other students in a strong, friendly academic community. After graduating, she worked as a professor at BYU but later moved into industry roles, including leading global learning and media projects for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She’s also worked at a university helping professors improve their teaching and use technology in the classroom. Stephanie believes instructional design skills like solving problems, managing projects, and working on teams can open doors to many careers, in both academia and industry. She encourages students to take real-world classes, work on projects, and get experience presenting and doing research. She also says students should ask faculty to mentor them, collaborate on research, and help them publish their work. She shared that one of her regrets was not publishing more during her PhD. That’s why she urges students to take advantage of every opportunity, especially to prepare for teaching or research careers. Stephanie also understands that international students face extra challenges like language barriers and culture shock. Her message is: you belong here, and you don’t need to have everything figured out to get started. Her advice? Be open to different paths, work well with others, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Everyone’s journey is different but with support and effort, success is possible.

Dr. Stephanie Allen Egbert’s journey from ITLS PhD student to leading roles in academia and global learning design shows how flexible and impactful this field can be. 🌍🎓
👉 Want to know more? Check the alt text.
#AggieAlumni #USUAlumni #AggieGrad #CareerAdvice #Alumni #Industry

Sariah stands proudly beside her poster at the LIT Conference. Her study compares the performance of multiple large language models (LLMs) with graduate students using a deductive coding approach. Instead of evaluating AI individually, the research focused on their collective output, using statistical tools like Fleiss’ Kappa and Repeated Measures ANOVA to analyze agreement and performance differences.

So proud of Sariah for presenting her research at LIT! She explored how teams of LLMs compare to grad students in deductive coding. Want to know more about her research? Check out the alt text!

#Research #Academic #Collaboration #Conference #AcademicMembers

Waqas, a PhD student in the Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences (ITLS) program at Utah State University, presents his research poster at the LIT Conference. His project, titled "Indian Education for All: A Case Study of Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Computer Science," explores how integrating computer science into social studies classrooms can empower Indigenous students. The poster highlights hands-on, data-driven projects like food sovereignty to sustain cultural identity and promote inclusive, culturally relevant education.

Excited to celebrate our PhD students' research at the LIT Conference!
Waqas' project explores culturally responsive computer science education for Indigenous students.
Want to learn more? Check out the ALT text!
#Research #Academic #Collaboration #Conference #AcademicMembers

Stephen presented his powerful research at the LIT 2025 Conference at USU, exploring the future of distance education in Ghana 🇬🇭. From digital literacy to infrastructure challenges, his work sheds light on real barriers and practical solutions for more inclusive and accessible learning. 👏 Huge congrats to Stephen for sharing stories that matter and pushing for educational equity across borders!

Stephen presented his research at LIT 2025 we’re so proud!
ALT Text: Learn more about his work on distance education in Ghana.
#Research #Academic #Collaboration #Conference #AcademicMembers

This gorgeous picture of the giant galactic nebula NGC 3603 captures various stages of the life cycle of stars in one single view.

(Credit: NASA, Wolfgang Brandner JPL-IPAC, Eva K.)

We’re excited to recognize Chasity Mayo, an ITLS doctoral student, for her impactful work in community engagement. As part of Dr. Lu Lawrence’s Project UNITE, she’s helping a Salt Lake City school district build support for students with disabilities during their transition from high school to adulthood. Chasity leads co-design workshops, fostering collaboration and building strong connections with her team. She values all partners as experts in their own experiences, ensuring solutions fit seamlessly into existing practices. Outside her academic work, Chasity volunteers with the Logan Pride Foundation and serves on the planning committee for the Utah Conference on Community Engagement, applying community-centered research to real-world issues. Chasity’s advice: define what community means to you, understand your values, and consider cultural and ethical aspects in your work. We’re proud to celebrate her contributions to both research and community!

Chasity as a doctoral student in ITLS, she’s been instrumental in Project UNITE, helping to build stronger support systems for students with disabilities and promoting teamwork through co-design workshops. 💙
#EdTech #LifeLongLearning #NeverStopLearning #ITLSTransforms #StudentFirst

Craig began his career as a professor, but his curiosity for technology and innovation led him to transition into the tech industry. Today, he works at Intel, applying his expertise in instructional technology to solve real-world challenges. We asked Craig about his career shift, challenges, and advice for students considering a move from academia to industry. Here’s what he shared with us: 💡 What was the biggest challenge in moving from academia to industry? 🔹 “The biggest challenge was the shift in pace! In academia, projects take years to complete, and there's time to think, research, and refine ideas. In contrast, the tech industry moves fast. You have to think on your feet, provide solutions quickly, and adapt to constant changes. It was a challenge but also made the work exciting.” 🎓 How did your PhD in ITLS prepare you for working in the tech industry? 🔹 “One valuable skill I gained during my PhD was systematic problem-solving. Research teaches you how to break down complex problems, analyze data, and communicate findings. These skills translate perfectly into industry roles.” 🤔 Did you ever feel uncertain about leaving academia? 🔹 “Absolutely! Academia was familiar and safe. Leaving for industry felt like a leap of faith. But I soon realized the skills I developed—research, critical thinking, instructional design—were in high demand outside academia.” 📈 What’s one surprising thing about working in industry? 🔹 “The level of collaboration! In academia, research can be solitary, but in industry, teamwork is essential. I work with engineers, designers, and analysts every day. The diversity of perspectives makes the work dynamic.” 🚀 What advice would you give students considering industry? 🔹 “Explore opportunities early, and gain hands-on experience. Internships, projects, and networking make a huge difference. Build your network and connect with professionals.”

Meet Craig Wall, an ITLS PhD graduate who transitioned from being a professor to working at Intel!
If you're curious about what skills students need to succeed in the industry , read his full answers in the ALT text! 👀
#STEMNews #LeaderShip #USA #Collaboration #Innovation

So proud to have Emma working with Dr. Kristin Searle on this NSF-funded project! Their research connects computer science and social studies to help students address real-world issues like food access. 🌍💻
#InstructionalDesign #STEMEducation #DigitalLearning #USUEducation #Knowledge

We are excited to celebrate Kylynn James, internationally recognized equine vaulting athlete and coach at Oak Hill Vaulting, as she receives the Outstanding Community Partner Award! Kylynn's mentorship plays a crucial role in guiding ITLS students through real-world design thinking projects, helping them turn innovative ideas into impactful solutions. Kylynn values the fresh perspectives ITLS students bring to the table, encouraging her team to think outside the box and explore new possibilities. A memorable moment for her was when a group created YouTube videos to showcase their solutions, making complex concepts easier to understand and more engaging. For Kylynn, mentorship is a two-way experience, fostering growth and innovation on both sides. Her advice to students? Embrace feedback, ask plenty of questions, and stay focused on creating meaningful solutions. Real-world projects may be unpredictable, but that's part of the learning process. We are truly grateful for Kylynn's mentorship and the positive impact she has on the ITLS community!

🏆 We are thrilled to recognize Kylynn James with the Outstanding Community Partner Award! Her mentorship at Oak Hill Vaulting empowers ITLS students to create real-world solutions through design thinking.
#University #OnlineLearning #Education #Research #Learning