The PhD in Education Program is individualized, interdisciplinary, and experiential. Students may opt to specialize in learning technologies design research (LTDR) or incorporate coursework within a self-defined interdisciplinary program of study.
Have questions? Attend an information session or contact the specialization representative, Jered Borup.
This PhD specialization in learning technologies design research is the first of its kind with an innovative approach that engages doctoral students in real-world, integrated, design and research.
What Will You Learn?
The specialization features coursework and applied internships that enable you to learn:
- Theory and research in learning technologies design research
- Foundational knowledge about learning technologies design research
- Research methodologies to address a variety of learning technologies design research topics
- Specialized knowledge in learning technologies design research related to your area of interest
"Studying Ph.D. in Education in the specialization of LTDR was an amazing experience. I became skillful in several expertise areas, including design-based research, UX design, design thinking, learning theories (particularly constructivism), and designing meaningful online learning experiences. Also, I became an expert in conducting research using a variety of methods beyond regular instruments. I graduated with confidence, unique experience, and full of expertise. These skills and knowledge helped me to achieve my goals."~ Maimoona Humaid Al Abri, 2020 graduate
"The LTDR specialization at GMU prepared me to do a lot, and see the need to think in new ways. Even though I had worked in a 'high needs' middle school for some time, this program helped me truly see the issues anew, reflect on them critically, and design new ways the students could be supported. In addition, working as a GRA allowed me to learn how to conduct research and write about it in a way that was more authentic than just working in classes. It was like I was an apprentice. All of this continues my drive to look into what is happening in schools, study it formally, and share what is found to help others, whether they be scholars, teachers, or students." ~ Mark A. Stevens, 2018 graduate
Angela Low, PhD 2021
- Dissertation Title: An Exploration of Emergenetics® Training in the Federal Workplace
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Shahron Williams Van Rooij
Shea Walters, PhD 2021
- Dissertation Title: The Influence of Epistemological Beliefs, Pedagogical Approaches, and Course Delivery Modes on Faculty Use of Learning Management Systems in Higher Education
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Nada Dabbagh
Maimoona Al-Abri, PhD 2020
- Dissertation Title: Exploring the Pedagogical Impact of Integrating Open Educational Resources in a College Course: A Design-Based Research Study
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Nada Dabbagh
Falah Amro, PhD 2019
- Dissertation Title: Scaffolding Students' Problem-Solving Skills in a Computer-Based Adaptive Learning Program: An Analysis of Scaffolding Types and Strategies
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Jered Borup & Dr. Nada Dabbagh
Laura McConnaughey, PhD 2019
- Dissertation Title: A Design Research Project: Investigating an Integrated Mathematics Instructional System (IMIST) Focused on Inquiry Learning and Proficiencies in Symbolic Literacy, Conceptual Literacy, and Problem-Solving for High School Mathematics
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Dawn Hathaway & Dr. Priscilla Norton
- Employment on Graduation: Business Owner/Consultant/Math Tutor, McMath Academy
Boshra Zawawi, PhD 2019
- Dissertation Title: Designing & Evaluating the Effects of a Technology-Mediated Learning Environment That Integrates Formal & Informal Learning Activities to Advance Students' Knowledge & Skills of Instructional Design: A Design-Based Research Study
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Nada Dabbagh
Ahmad Almufarreh, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: Examining Factors that Impact Students and Faculty Acceptance and Adoption of MLearning in Saudi Arabia
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Nada Dabbagh
Amy Ansong, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: Examining the Role of Toys in Undergraduate Women's Decision to Major in Engineering
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Frederick Brigham
Michelle Dunham, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: A Design-Based Research Study of Aspiring Leaders' Individual Development, Self-Efficacy and Self-Directed Learning Following Participation in an Autobiographical Leadership Development Program
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Brenda Bannan
Helen Fake, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: A Delphi Study on the Dimensions of Personalized Learning in Workforce Training and Development Programs
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Nada Dabbagh
Rose Kraus, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: Considering the Blend: The Impact on the Learner's Experience of an Activity/Affordance Blending Strategy Applied to Graduate Course Design
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Priscilla Norton
- Employment on Graduation: Functional Applications Specialist, Fairfax County Public Schools
Mark A. Stevens, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: Technology-Enhanced Learning for English Language Learners
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Priscilla Norton
- Employment on Graduation: Social Studies Teacher, Fairfax County Public Schools
Ying Wu, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: Perspectives of Graduate Students with Visual Impairments on Their Learning Experience in Online Education
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Priscilla Norton
