Published Works

​Considering Online Communities of Practice as Effective Tools for Pre-Service School Librarian Professional Development

Sanchez, M. (2019). Considering Online Communities of Practice as Effective Tools for Pre-Service School Librarian Professional Development. In K. Graziano (Ed.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference (pp. 862-865). Las Vegas, NV, United States: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/207746/.

Content Analysis of Higher Education Instructional Design Job Postings: Required and Preferred Qualifications​

Surrency, M., Churchill, C., Sanchez, M. & Scott, J. (2019). Content Analysis of Higher Education Instructional Design Job Postings: Required and Preferred Qualifications. In S. Carliner (Ed.), Proceedings of E-Learn: World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education (pp. 1060-1074). New Orleans, Louisiana, United States: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/211186/.

Examining Perceptions of Digital Badges​

Sanchez, M. (2019). Examining Perceptions of Digital Badges. In S. Carliner (Ed.), Proceedings of E-Learn: World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education (pp. 78-81). New Orleans, Louisiana, United States: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/211064/.

Additional Works

​A Literature Review on Mobile Technologies in K-12 Teacher Professional Development​

LTEC 6030 Emerging Technologies
Abstract:  The use of mobile technology in K-12 and higher education professional development has become a common practice. These devices provide an affordable means for communicating with others, sharing information, and accessing course materials and resources, making them an ideal tool for enhancing adult learning. In order to effectively analyze the use of mobile technologies for professional development, it is necessary to review the current literature and established frameworks for mobile learning and mobile technologies. In this article, a background on mobile technologies and the learning theories associated with this instructional model are discussed. Advantages and challenges with teaching adult learners in mobile learning environments with mobile technologies are outlined, and implications for current practices and recommendations for future research are shared.

Teacher Perceptions of Blended Learning in the Classroom​

LTEC 6515 Scaling Methods
Abstract:​ This study explores teacher perceptions of blended learning in the classroom.  Blended learning was identified in the 2017 New Media Consortium Horizon Report as an emerging technology driving technology adoption in higher education (Adams Becker, 2017) and has gained popularity in K-12 education settings as well (Greene & Hale, 2017).  The rapid adoption of blended learning means exploratory research is needed to study the effective use of blended learning in the classroom (Turner, Young-Lowe, & Newton, 2018).  Studies have shown that teacher perceptions of technology impact technology integration in the classroom (Inan & Lowther, 2010).  This study will look at teacher perceptions of blended learning and whether or not their perceptions impact their integration of blended learning in the classroom.

A Review of Guiding Research for Designing Effective Learning Environments

LTEC 6220 Educational Technology Implementation
​Abstract:  Effective learning environments can maximize student learning potential and provide solutions to some of today’s educational challenges.  There are many factors, however, that contribute to learning environments and their effectiveness.  As such, researchers have developed various research agendas for exploring the use of technology in education, frameworks for teaching in technology-embedded learning environments, and guidelines for ensuring specific interventions are effective.  This article reviews the major findings of the reports, frameworks, and guidelines concerning educational technology outlined by Woolf, Koehler et al., and the US Dept. of Education.  A discussion on the application of these considerations in K-12 learning environments as well as limitations to their application follows the review of the major findings.

The Role of School Libraries in Promoting Technology Integration

LTEC 6000 Philosophy of Computing in Education
​Abstract:  This paper reviews research studies which discuss the role of school libraries in promoting technology integration in K-12 school settings and analyzes the impact of these libraries on teacher and student engagement in technology related teaching and learning experiences. The information collected focused specifically on school library environments and school librarians' roles in technology integration, identifying ways in which school libraries promote technology integration in addition to identifying ways in which they are limited in promoting technology integration.   The findings of the literature review reveal the library environment and the role of the school librarian as key elements of school libraries that have the potential for promoting the effective use of technology in schools.  A suggestion for a research to study to determine barriers for school librarians in integrating technology is offered and ideas for further research in identifying additional ways in which school libraries contribute to the effective integration of technology in K-12 schools and are given.

Exploring the Impact of Digital Badges in an Elementary Coding and Robotics Club on Student Interest in STEM Careers

LTEC 6260 Technology Based Learning Environments
Abstract:  The industry demands for individuals with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) backgrounds continues to grow.  Despite the number of positions open in STEM occupations and on average, higher salaries in STEM career fields than non-STEM career fields, employers are having difficulty finding qualified applicants to fill these positions.  One way to address this issue is to examine factors that contribute to student success in STEM subjects and ultimately, factors that contribute to students selecting STEM occupations.  This study explores the use of digital badges in an elementary coding and robotics club and examines the impact they have on student attitudes toward STEM disciplines and their intention to opt for a STEM career.​

The Impact of Teacher Perceptions on the Use of Blended Learning in the Classroom

LTEC 6510 Introduction to Research
​Abstract:  This study explores the relationship between teacher perceptions of blended learning and the frequency with which teachers use blended learning in the classroom. A survey design was used to collect data on teacher perceptions of blended learning along with how often they provide blended learning experiences to their students. Statistical analysis was performed to determine whether or not there was a positive correlation between teacher perceptions and the use of blended learning. The results indicate that there was no significant correlation between teachers' perception of blended learning and the use of blended learning in the classroom.