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Dr. Brenda Bannan
PhD, The Pennsylvania State University
Professor Emerita of Education
Learning Design and Technology
Learning Technologies Design Research

Contact Information

Send email to Dr. Bannan

Phone: (703) 993-2067
Fax: (703) 993-2722
Email: bbannan (@gmu.edu)

George Mason University
Fairfax Campus
Thompson Hall
4400 University Dr.
MS 5D6
Fairfax, VA 22030

Curriculum Vitae

View Brenda Bannan's curriculum vitae in PDF format.

Profile

Dr. Brenda Bannan is a Professor in the Division of Learning Technologies and the Learning Technology Design Research Doctoral Program in the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University (GMU) in Fairfax, Virginia.

Dr. Bannan’s current work centers on leveraging emerging technologies, learning science, user experience design, design research and human-machine partnerships to inform both the human system and the smart technology system.  This reciprocal cycle positions computational systems as intelligent observers with insights from AI-infused and processed sensor-based data typically from Internet of Things (IoT) devices that generate behavioral analytics to inform the human system which then can adapt to take action to promote learning across both systems. Working on these efforts across multiple workforce learning contexts, Dr. Bannan co-led the Center for Advancing Human-Machine Partnerships (CAHMP) from 2019-2023 at Mason that supports transdisciplinary research related to complex human-machine partnerships with automated, artificial intelligence with autonomy striving toward integration of this technology with human systems in the most appropriate, ethical and trusting ways.  Her research with an interdisciplinary team has most recently been applied to workforce learning contexts including first responder team-based live simulation training complemented with artificial intelligence instructional support systems as well as supports her current work conceptualizing virtual reality and extended reality construction safety training environments for workers with attention deficit disorders. Dr. Bannan is Co-Lead of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Global Community Technology Challenge Public Safety Technology Sector and the author of numerous academic journal articles and book chapters in learning sciences and instructional design field.  She is a National Science Foundation CAREER program awardee and has been invited as a keynote speaker for multiple international and national organization events including The U.S. Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program (NITRD), the American Associate for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the National League of Cities (NLC), among others.

Research Interests

  • Internet of Things (IoT)/ Cyber-physical Systems​

  • Learning Analytics

  • Virtual Reality/Extended Reality Learning Environments

  • Wearable Technologies for Learning

  • Live Simulation Training

  • Design-based research

  • Mobile and Augmented Reality learning environments​

  • Human-Centered Design Processes/User Experience Design/Instructional Systems Design

Recent Publications

Gomez, C., Bannan, B. & Fleury, A. (in press). Applications in integrated intelligent infrastructures [Editorial]. Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Smart Environments.

Dunaway, M., & Bannan, B. (2023). Evaluating the “whole community” concept based on the national response to COVID‐19. Public Administration Review, 83(5), 1394–1403. https://doi.org/10.1111/puar.13711

Yu, L.-F., Li, C., Zhang, Y., Alghofaili, R., Huang, H., Yu, L., Liu, H., Choi, M., Bannan, B., & Mousas, C. (2023). Establishing Design Computing and Extended Reality Facilities for Remote Virtual Reality Training. 2023 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces Abstracts and Workshops (VRW), 216–220. https://doi.org/10.1109/VRW58643.2023.00053

*Al Abri, M., Bannan, B. & Dabbagh, N. (2021). The design and development of open educational resources intervention in a college course that manifest in open educational practices: a design-based research study. Journal of Computing in Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-021-09285-z

Bannan, B., *Torres, E.M., Purohit, H., *Pandey, R. & Cockroft, J.L. (2020). Sensor-based adaptive instructional systems in live simulation training. In R. Sottilare & J. Schwarz (Eds). Adaptive Instructional Systems. HCII 2020. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 12214 (pp. 3-14). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-50788-6_1

*Pandey, R., Purohit, H. & Bannan, B. (2020). CitizenHelper-training: AI-infused system for multimodal analytics to assist training exercise debriefs at emergency services. Proceedings of the 17th ISCRAM Conference, WiP Paper – AI Systems for Crises and Risks, Blacksburg, VA. http://idl.iscram.org/files/rahulpandey/2020/2206_RahulPandey_etal2020.pdf

Purohit, H., *Dubrow, S., & Bannan, B., *Torres, E.M., Purohit, H., *Pandey, R. & Cockroft, J.L. (2020). Sensor-based adaptive instructional systems in live simulation training. In R. Sottilare & J. Schwarz (Eds). Adaptive Instructional Systems. HCII 2020. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 12214 (pp. 3-14). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-50788-6_1

Bannan, B., Dabbagh, N., & Walcutt, J.J. (2020). Instructional strategies for the future. Journal of Military Learning, 4(1), 68-80. https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Journal-of-Military-Learning/Journal-of-Military-Learning-Archives/April-2020/Walcutt-Instruct-Strategy/. (Reprinted from “Instructional strategies for the future,” 2019, In J.J. Walcutt and S. Schatz (Eds.), Modernizing learning: Building the future learning ecosystem (pp. 223-242). Washington, DC: Government Publishing Office. License: Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 4.0 IGO).  https://adlnet.gov/assets/uploads/Modernizing%20Learning.pdf 

Bannan, B., Dabbagh, N., & Walcutt, J.J. (2019). Instructional strategies for the future. In J.J. Walcutt & S. Schatz (Eds.), Modernizing learning: Building the future learning ecosystem (pp. 223-242). Washington, DC: Government Publishing Office. License: Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 4.0 IGO. 

Bannan, B., *Dubrow, S., Dobbins, C., Zaccaro, S., Purohit, H., & Rana, M.  (2019). Toward wearable devices for multiteam systems learning. In I. Buchem, R, Klamma & F. Wild (Eds.), Perspectives on Wearable Enhanced Learning (WELL): Current Trends, Research and Practice (pp.79-95). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-64301-4_4

Bannan, B. & Burbridge, J. (2019). Smart learning solutions, wearable learning, and user experience design. In I. Buchem, R, Klamma & F. Wild (Eds.), Perspectives on Wearable Enhanced Learning (WELL): Current Trends, Research and Practice (pp. 253–271). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-64301-4_12

Purohit, H., *Dubrow, S., & Bannan, B. (2019). Designing a multimodal analytics system to improve emergency response training. In P. Zaphiris & A. Ioannou (Eds.), Learning and Collaboration Technologies. Designing Learning Experiences. HCII 2019. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 11590 (pp 89-100). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-21814-0_8

*Dubrow S. & Bannan B. (2019). Toward improving situation awareness and team coordination in emergency response with sensor and video data streams. In P. Zaphiris & A. Ioannou (Eds.) Learning and Collaboration Technologies. Ubiquitous and Virtual Environments for Learning and Collaboration. HCII 2019. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 11591. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-21817-1_20

Conference Papers

Bannan, B., *Torres, E.M., Purohit, H., *Pandey, R. & Cockroft, J.L. (2020). Sensor-based adaptive instructional systems in live simulation training. In R. Sottilare & J. Schwarz (Eds). Adaptive Instructional Systems. HCII 2020. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 12214 (pp. 3-14). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-50788-6_1

Pandey, R., Purohit, H. & Bannan, B. (2020). CitizenHelper-training: AI-infused system for multimodal analytics to assist training exercise debriefs at emergency services. Proceedings of the 17th ISCRAM Conference, WiP Paper – AI Systems for Crises and Risks, Blacksburg, VA. http://idl.iscram.org/files/rahulpandey/2020/2206_RahulPandey_etal2020.pdf

Dubrow, S., Shulman, M., Torres, E., Dobbins, C., Zacarro, S. & Bannan, B. (April, 2018). Leader roles and shifts in crisis management multiteam systems. Paper presented at the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Chicago, IL.

Dubrow, S., Dobbins, C., Bannan, B., Zaccaro, S., Peixoto, N., Purohit, H., Rana, M., & Au, M. (2017). Using IoT Sensors to Enhance Simulation and Training in Multiteam Systems. In: the interservice/industry training, simulation and education conference (I/ITSEC) Published Proceedings, pp. 1-10

Bannan, B., Gallagher, S.P., Lewis, B. & Battista, A. (April, 2016) Exploring internet of things and analytics in team-based simulations. Paper presented at the Annual American Educational Research Association (AERA), Washington DC.  

Recent Presentations

National

Dunaway, M., Bannan, B. & Skidmore, D. (2020, June 24). Smart Public Safety [Panel presentation]. National Public Safety Telecommunications Council Emerging Technologies Working Group.

Ihrie, D., Bannan, B., Holden, J.P., Rivero, C. & Singh, I. (2019, Sept 30-Oct 2). The Smart State: Collaboration and Innovation in the Commonwealth of Virginia [Panel Presentation]. Smart Cities Week, Washington, DC.

Ihrie, D., Bannan, B., Cannon, M., Reid, P. & Wood, A. (2019, September 4-5). Smart Communities Today [Panel presentation]. Commonwealth of Virginia Innovative Technology Symposium (COVITS) Richmond, VA.

Bannan, B. (March, 2019). U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Cybersecurity and Innovation Workshop. Smart Emergency Medical and First Response Multiteam Systems. Washington, DC.

Bannan, B., Dubrow, S. & Jenkins, J. (October, 2018). NIST Global City Teams Challenge Smart and Secure City and Communities Challenge (SC3). Public Safety Super Cluster - A whole community approach: breakout session. Gaithersburg, MD.

Bannan, B. (July, 2018). Live sims for first responder training. Presentation at the Serious Play Conference – Serious Games Institute Manassas, VA. 

  • Bannan, B. (March, 2018). The connected future and data analytics..Invited Keynote Address – The Maryland Distance Learning Association.  Linthicum, MD.

  • Bannan, B. (March, 2018). User Experience Design and Distributed Complex Learning Environments. The Maryland Distance Learning Association.  Linthicum, MD.

  • Bannan, B. (November, 2017). Community-University-Industry collaboration models for smart and connected communities: Leveraging a user experience (UX)/Design research approach. The National Science Foundation Smart and Connected Communities Workshop, Alexandria, VA.

  • Bannan, B. (September, 2017). Design research in smart connected communities for all: Opportunities for STEM learning and inclusion. The National Science Foundation ECR PI Meeting. Alexandria, VA.

  • Bannan, B. (August, 2017). Smart emergency medical and first response multiteam systems. The National Institute of Standards and Technology Global City Teams Challenge Expo. Washington, DC.

  • Bannan, B. (July, 2017). Developing a Multiteam Systems Smart City Solution through Human-centered, Participatory Design Research.  American Association for the Advancement of Science. Washington, DC.

  • Bannan, B. (May, 2017). The importance of broadband in building smart communities. The National League of Cities Infrastructure Week 2017. Washington D.C.

  • Bannan, B., Peixoto, N., Baldwin, C., Purohit, H., Zaccaro, S., Dubrow, S., Nik, H.G., Rajagopal, A.A.(April, 2017). Engineering multiteam systems training for smart medical and emergency response.  George Mason University Healthcare Symposium. Fairfax, VA.

  • Dubrow, S., Battista, A., Sanko, J. Bannan, B. & Peixoto, N. (April, 2017). Communication in interprofessional multiteam systems during patient handoff: A case study. George Mason University Healthcare Symposium. Fairfax, VA.

  • Battista, A., Dunbrow, S., Sanko, J. & Bannan, B. (January, 2017). Interprofessional healthcare team coordination and communication. Presentation at the IMSH: Society for Simulation in  Healthcare. Orlando, FL.

International:

  • Bannan, B. (September, 2016) Ecosystem for Smart Medical Team Training.  Invited Presentation Wearable Enhanced Learning Workshop. Presentation at the European Conference for Technology Enhanced Learning (EC-TEL) Lyon, France.
  • Bannan, B. (September, 2015). Internet of Things (IoT) and Learning Analytics: The Case of Emergency Response/Medical Services Training Simulation. Presentation at the European Conference on Technology Enhanced Learning (EC-TEL), Toledo, Spain (First Place, Design Challenge: Envisioning Wearable Enhanced Learning).
  • Bannan, B. (June, 2014). Design research. Presentation at the International Forum on Educational and Technology: New Learning Scenarios from a Transformative Vision,. Applied Research Group in Education and Technology (ARGET) Department de Pedagogia Universitat Rovira, Tarragona, Spain.
  • Bannan, B. & Cela-Ranilla, J. (June, 2014). Design of Learning: Design research. Presentation at the International Forum of Educational Technology, Applied Research Group in Education and Technology (ARGET) Department de Pedagogia Universitat Rovira, Tarragona, Spain.
  • Cook, J., Bannan, B. & Santos, P. (September, 2013). Seeking and scaling model for designing technology that supports personal and professional learning networks.  Presentation at the EC-TEL meets ECSCW 2013; Workshop on Collaborative Technologies for Working and Learning. Cyprus, Greece.
  • Bannan, B. (February, 2013). Toward Investigating Ubiquitous, Pervasive and Seamless Computing and Learning. Presentation at the Alpine Rendez-Vous, STELLAR Network of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning, Villard-de-Lans, Vercors, France.
  • Bannan, B. (January, 2010). Trends in Technology and Education. Invited Keynote Address Peruvian Ministry of Education, Congreso Nacional design research Educadores at the Universidad UPC in Lima -Peru.
  • Bannan, B., Peters, E., Martinez, P., Raime, A., Baek, J. and Stafford, K. (January, 2010). Conducting Design Research in the Classroom. Conference Presentation at the Congressio Nacional de Ecuadores, Universidad UPC, Lima, Peru.
  • Martinez, P., Peters, E., Bannan, B., Raime, A., Baek, J. and Stafford, K. (January, 2010). Teacher Workshop: GO Inquire. Presentation at the Congressio Nacional de Ecuadores, Universidad UPC, Lima, Peru.
  • Martinez, P., Peters, E., Bannan, B. and Raime, A. (January, 2010). GO Inquire. Presentation at the Cegecoop La Union School, Lima, Peru.
  • Martinez, P., Peters, E., Bannan, B. and Raime, A. (January, 2010). GO Inquire. Presentation at the Peruano Norteamericano Abraham Lincoln School, Lima, Peru.
  • Bannan, B. (January, 2010). Educational Technology: Design Thinking. Presentation at the Cegecoop La Union School, Lima, Peru.
  • Bannan, B. (January, 2010). Educational Technology: Design Thinking. Presentation at the Peruano Norteamericano Abraham Lincoln School, Lima, Peru.
  • Bannan, B. (December, 2009).  Challenges for integrative design and research in mobile learning. Presentation at the Alpine Rendez-Vous, STELLAR Network of Excellence by the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munich and London Mobile Learning Group. Garmisch-Partenkirchen,Germany.
  • Bannan-Ritland, B. (November, 2007) International Seminar on Design Research. Panel Presentation at the East China Normal University in Shanghai, China.
  • Bannan-Ritland, B. (November, 2007) Design Research and Instructional Technology. Presentation at the Beijing Normal University in Beijing, China.

Grants.

  • Bannan, B. (2018). Smart city learning solutions – advancing research and development ($10,000). College of Education and Human Development SEED Grant Research Funding. Submitted in November, 2017. Serve as principal investigator.
  • Bannan, B. & Peixoto, N. (2016). Engineering networked devices for multiteam learning and performance ($199,962). NSF EAGER. Submitted in March, 2016. Serve as co-principal investigator.
  • Bannan, B., Peixoto, N. & Baldwin, C. (2015). Engineering Networked Tracking Devices for Smart Medical and Emergency Response Training.  Multidisciplinary Research Grant program Office of the Provost ($50,000), George Mason University. Funded in Summer, 2015.
  • Kelly, A.E. & Bannan-Ritland, B. (2008). Modeling Cyber-Enabled Learning and Teaching:   Addressing Methodological and Measurement Issues. ($199,000 over 2 years) Submitted in Jan, 2008.  Served as co-principal investigator.
  • Bannan-Ritland, B. (2007). Career Award International Research Supplement. National Science Foundation. ($30,000 over 1 year) Submitted in June, 2007. Served as principal investigator.
  • Bannan-Ritland, B. (2004). Career Award Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)-Justification for Supplement. National Science Foundation. ($12,000 over 1 year) Submitted in June, 2004. Serve as principal investigator.
  • Bannan-Ritland, B (2003) Comprehension Strategy Support in Inquiry-based Science. National Science Foundation CAREER program. ($617,181 over 5 years). Submitted in July, 2002. Serve as principal investigator.
Other Information

Affiliations

Program

  • Learning Design & Technology (primary)
  • Mathematics and Science Education Leadership (secondary)
  • Helen A. Kellar Institute for Human disabilities

Organizational

  • Association of Educational Communications and Technology
  • Society for Learning Analytics Research 
  • American Society for Training and Development
  • International Visual Literacy Association
  • American Educational Research Association
  • NIST Global City Teams Challenge
Campus Affiliations
Other Courses Taught