Power Friday: Emerging Educational Technologies

Dr. Melva Grant is a professor of mathematics education at Old Dominion University. She is a mathematics teacher educator and researcher specializing in creating risk-free environments for preservice teachers (PTs) to practice effective teaching strategies using mixed reality simulation (MRS) technology. Dr. Grant’s research is theoretically based on relational competency for mathematics equity (RCME), which relies on authentic social interactions. Her research inquiries are expanding toward embedding generative AI into MRS customizations to develop RCME for improved PTs’ learning.

Dr. Signe Kastberg is a professor of mathematics education and the Mary Endres Chair in Elementary Education at Purdue University, USA. Her research is in the area of mathematics teacher education, with a focus on mathematics teacher educators’ practices. Signe’s teaching has been recognized by awards including the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators’ Excellence in Mathematics Teacher Education Award and she seeks to support scholars through collaborations and critical friendship. Accomplishments from such collaborations include co-authored papers, special issues, and the edited book Building Support for Scholarly Practices in Mathematics Methods.

Dr. Wanju Huang is a clinical associate professor of learning design and technology at Purdue University. Her research focuses on online learning, professional development in STEM, augmented reality/virtual reality, and the integration of artificial intelligence in education. She is also the founder of the CARE lab (Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Emerging Technologies in Education), where she leads multiple research projects to investigate the impact of various technologies on education.

Dr. William R. Watson is a professor of learning design and technology at Purdue University. His scholarship focuses on realizing a personalized paradigm of education that meets all learners’ needs. This includes new paradigm instruction like game-based learning and attitudinal learning; technology for managing personalized learning; and systems thinking to design personalized educational systems. He founded and directs the Purdue Center for Serious Games and Learning in Virtual Environments.

Dr. Tawfiq Salem is a clinical assistant professor in Purdue University’s Department of Computer and Information Technology, specializing in computer programming, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. His research focuses on developing computational models for analyzing visual and textual data, with a particular emphasis on computer vision and machine learning. Dr. Salem has significantly contributed to enhancing computer science education by applying machine learning and AI in innovative online platforms. Currently, he co-leads a Purdue Innovation Hub-funded project that integrates ChatGPT into virtual reality simulations. The project aims to create AI-based mentors to enhance students’ intercultural teamwork skills, demonstrating his commitment to leveraging AI for educational innovation.