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Literature Review January 24, 2025 | EDLD 5305 | Spring 2025 "Technology can become the “wings” that will allow the educational world to fly farther and faster than ever before – if we allow it.” Want to read the full paper? View the full paper here or click the button below to download the full Literature Review. Literature Review The Problem As an Admissions Specialist, I noticed that so many prospective students struggle with the college application process. It can be intimidating and overwhelming. From figuring out academic programs and admission requirements to juggling deadlines and gathering documents, the amount of information can leave students feeling confused and stressed. B.H. Chiu, in The Mindful College Applicant: Cultivating Emotional Intelligence for the Admissions Process, highlights how anxiety plays a huge role for students navigating college admissions (Chiu, 2019). All these challenges can leave students feeling lost and isolated, showing just how important it is to have supportive resources to guide them through this big life transition. Since transitioning to Advising, I’ve seen firsthand how much stress students experience when dealing with uncertainty about their major, fear of graduating late or worrying about struggling in a course. Many feel overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed and aren’t sure who to turn to for help or what department to go to. Whether it’s not understanding degree requirements, being unsure about their career goals, or feeling like they’re falling behind, these fears can quickly pile up and take a toll on their confidence and motivation. “Student portal service provides users with channels of information and resources needed for their studies; this includes access to library service, course information, and materials. (Hussain et al., 2018). Online portals and interactive checklists and portals are a major advance for prospective students. They put everything you need in one spot, making the whole college process a lot easier to navigate. These platforms give you all the details on academic programs, campus life, and extracurriculars. Plus, it can include tools like virtual campus tours, student stories, and side-by-side comparisons of schools to help you picture what your college life could look like. You can even connect directly with admissions representatives through these sites to get personalized advice and answers to all your questions. It’s like having a college guide at your fingertips! For continuing students, having digital resources tailored to students’ needs could make a huge difference in helping them pick the right courses and stay on track to graduate. Imagine a platform tailored to each student’s major, academic progress, and career goals, showing exactly what classes they need, when to take them, and how they fit into their overall plan. It could include features like a degree progress tracker, course recommendations based on prerequisites and availability, and alerts for registration deadlines. The Tech The Benefits “The challenge of a portal strategy is no less than the challenge of bringing higher education fully into the new wave of technology” (Katz, 2002). The benefit of Operation Outreach is that it centralizes essential resources, allowing students to explore a wide range of colleges and universities with ease. AI could assist students make wiser decisions about their courses, find resources easier, and get personalized advice on everything from the application process to class schedules to career paths. According to Christensen et al. (2011), disruptive innovations like AI have the potential to deliver better quality and affordability in education, helping students access the support they need at a fraction of the cost. In The Innovative University, Christensen and Eyring (2011) also argue that new technologies can transform higher education by making it more efficient and accessible, reducing the complexity that often overwhelms students. By integrating these technologies, colleges could better support students at every step of their journey, from application to graduation.

Organizational Change Implementation December 12, 2024 | EDLD 5304 | Fall 2024 "Change is the end result of all true learning." What is the Change? I aim to shift the focus towards a more dynamic and tech-forward approach to student engagement, while still prioritizing personal connection and support. I want to promote the use of digital tools, such as interactive platforms, artificial intelligence, and data-driven outreach, to streamline communication and elevate the student experience. At the same time, it's vital to ensure that these technological advancements enhance, rather than replace, human interaction, so students continue to feel valued and connected to the institution. Additionally, creating a culture of ongoing feedback and responsiveness to student needs is crucial for improving engagement and ensuring that higher education remains both relevant and accessible to everyone. I believe my purpose in life is to be a source of support and guidance for those who need it most. Whether it's offering help to those facing challenges, mentoring individuals seeking direction, or simply being a reliable presence for those without a support system, my goal is to make a positive difference. I am motivated by the desire to help others navigate difficult times, empower them to grow, and be a steady, supportive presence they can count on. Through providing guidance, encouragement, and care, I aim to create meaningful change in the lives of those I encounter. I work in higher education because I am passionate about supporting students as they pursue goals they may have once thought impossible. There is nothing more rewarding than helping them recognize their potential and guiding them through the challenges they face along the way. I also take great joy in being a compassionate listener, offering students a safe, welcoming space where they feel heard and valued. By creating such an environment, I help foster both their academic and personal growth. The opportunity to positively impact their lives and contribute to their success is incredibly fulfilling for me. Foundation of the Change: The "Why" How Can this Change Be Made More creative and tech-savvy staff would be my key organizational influencers because they possess a deeper understanding of how to effectively leverage technology and digital tools to engage with students. Their familiarity with current technological trends and platforms makes them better equipped to connect with the younger generation, who are often more accustomed to interacting through digital means. These staff members can help drive innovation within the institution by designing engaging, user-friendly digital experiences that resonate with today’s students. The implementation of digital tools is a key focus, involving the launch of interactive platforms such as AI-driven chatbots, interactive checklists, and digital application trackers, all within specific timelines. These tools are designed to streamline communication, enhance student engagement, and provide a more efficient way for students to interact with the institution. By integrating these technologies, we aim to improve the overall student experience and ensure that all interactions are both seamless and accessible. Training and development will be essential for ensuring the success of these digital tools. Staff will receive comprehensive training on how to effectively use the platforms, with an emphasis on best practices for maintaining a personal connection with students through digital means. This training will not only ensure that the tools are used efficiently but also help staff navigate how to balance technological interactions with the essential human touch that is critical for student support. To gauge the success of these efforts, student engagement metrics will be closely monitored. Early indicators such as click-through rates, response times, and engagement on digital platforms will be tracked to assess the initial adoption and effectiveness of the digital tools. These metrics will provide valuable insights into how well students are engaging with the new systems and where improvements may be needed to further enhance their experience. The goal is to harness digital resources, such as interactive checklists and artificial intelligence, to improve outreach and engagement with both prospective and current college students. By incorporating these tools, we can deliver personalized, efficient communication, streamline administrative processes, and create a more responsive experience. However, it's essential to preserve the personal touch that colleges are known for, ensuring that students continue to feel heard, supported, and connected to the institution. Striking the right balance between innovative technology and human interaction will foster a more dynamic and effective approach to student engagement, helping students navigate their college journey while still feeling part of a welcoming community. The effectiveness of these digital outreach tools can be measured by comparing the number of college applicants from previous years with the current year. An increase in applications would suggest that the tools are resonating with prospective students. Additionally, collecting student feedback through surveys provides valuable insights into how well these digital tools are engaging students and addressing their needs. This feedback offers a deeper understanding of student experiences and can identify areas for improvement. By combining both quantitative and qualitative data, we can evaluate the impact of our digital outreach efforts and make informed adjustments to improve future engagement. The Result of the Change Additional Information and Resources Take a look at more in-depth information regarding my organizational change implementation: "What's Your Why?" Influencer Strategy 4DX Plan Take a look at the blog pages related to my organizational change implementation: Self-Differentiated Leadership My Learning Manifesto: The Extended Version

PL Call to Action June 21, 2025 | EDLD 5389 | Summer 2025 "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." The Why: Backstory and Motivation As someone who works in higher education, I’ve witnessed firsthand how traditional professional learning (PL) often misses the mark. Much of the PL offered to faculty and staff is passive, disconnected from our day-to-day work, and lacks meaningful follow-up. It's usually a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t take into account our specific institutional needs, job roles, or long-term growth. This disconnect has motivated me to rethink how PL is approached—not just for compliance or content delivery, but for real transformation. Throughout my graduate program, I’ve been introduced to the power of constructivist, learner-centered practices like the COVA model (Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authentic learning). These concepts have reshaped how I view learning—for students and professionals alike. I realized that if we truly want to support student success, we must start by equipping educators, advisors, and staff with professional learning that is relevant, ongoing, and empowering. We must model the same kind of learning culture we hope to see in our classrooms and campuses. This presentation was born from that conviction. It’s not just a call to change what we do in PL—it’s a push to change why and how we do it. If we don’t evolve our professional learning models, we risk becoming stagnant, disconnected from our students, and unable to meet the demands of a rapidly changing academic environment. To bring my vision to life, I created a presentation titled “Evolving Professional Learning in Higher Education: Why the Change is Urgent.” This multimedia piece is structured using Duarte’s storytelling arc and is aligned with the five key principles of effective professional learning. The presentation is designed as a conversation-starter—not a formal training—so it can be easily adapted for faculty meetings, departmental retreats, onboarding sessions, or future PL planning discussions. The content starts by painting the current landscape of professional learning in higher education—highlighting the challenges of outdated, one-off approaches. It then contrasts that with a vision of what professional learning could look like: meaningful, relevant, and rooted in sustained growth. Each slide builds on the previous one, guiding the audience through not just what effective PL entails, but why it’s essential to shift now. Throughout the deck, each of the five key PL principles—duration, implementation support, engagement, modeling, and specificity—are contextualized for higher education settings. The visuals are intentionally minimal and clean, in line with Presentation Zen design principles, keeping the focus on the message rather than clutter. Speaker notes are embedded throughout to provide deeper narrative guidance for whoever is presenting it. I’ve also included current research from Darling-Hammond, Desimone, and Gulamhussein to ground the content in evidence-based practice. This presentation isn’t just an academic assignment—it’s a tool I genuinely plan to use in professional spaces. It’s also easily revisable, which allows me to adapt it as institutional needs evolve or when different campus audiences require slightly different framing. The What: The Presentation Product The How: Creative Process and Execution Creating this presentation was both a reflective and strategic process. I began by outlining the core message I wanted to convey: that professional learning in higher education must shift from performative to purposeful. Using Duarte’s “what is vs. what could be” structure, I mapped out a story arc that would build urgency, present a solution, and end with a call to action. To ensure alignment with best practices, I revisited key readings like Darling-Hammond et al. (2017) and Desimone (2009), using them as anchors for each of the five principles of effective PL. I then translated those ideas into accessible language, imagining myself speaking directly to campus stakeholders—faculty, staff, and department leads—who may be resistant to change but care deeply about student success. Visually, I kept the design minimal and clean to reflect principles from Presentation Zen. Instead of overloading slides with bullet points, I used brief, impactful phrases that could support a conversation rather than dictate it. The slide deck was created using Microsoft PowerPoint and formatted with consistent fonts, color accents, and white space to enhance readability. Speaker notes were added to each slide to guide the delivery and emphasize key points. I also made sure the presentation is modular and reusable. Whether it's presented in full or broken into segments for training modules, its structure allows for flexibility. The final product was exported as a .PPTX file and can be embedded into a digital portfolio, used during professional development sessions, or submitted alongside program materials as part of a capstone showcase. Creating this project helped me practice what I preach—designing with authenticity, voice, and intentionality. It’s not just about checking a box; it’s about modeling the kind of learning culture I want to help build in higher education. References Darling-Hammond, L., Hyler, M. E., & Gardner, M. (2017). Effective Teacher Professional Development. Learning Policy Institute. Desimone, L. M. (2009). Improving impact studies of teachers’ professional development. Educational Researcher, 38(3), 181–199. Fullan, M. (2016). The New Meaning of Educational Change (5th ed.). Teachers College Press.Guskey, T. R. (2002). Professional development and teacher change. Teachers and Teaching, 8(3), 381–391. Harapnuik, D., Thibodeaux, T., & Cummings, C. (2018). Developing Significant Learning Environments. https://www.learningspaces.org Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential Learning. Prentice-Hall. Mishra, P., & Koehler, M. J. (2006). Technological pedagogical content knowledge. Teachers College Record, 108(6), 1017–1054. Steele, G. E. (2016). Technology and Advising. NACADA Clearinghouse. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society. Harvard University Press. Wenger, E. (1998). Communities of Practice. Cambridge University Press. Wiggins, G., & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by Design (Expanded 2nd ed.). ASCD.

Measurement Strategy May 4, 2025 | EDLD 5315 | Spring 2025 "Technology can become the “wings” that will allow the educational world to fly farther and faster than ever before – if we allow it.” Access Research Plan Here View the full paper here or click the button below to download the full assignment. Enhancing Student Services Through AI: An Action Research Plan Introduction Higher education is changing quickly, leading to creative, tech-driven solutions that accommodate institutions' and students' evolving needs. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve student engagement and operational efficiency is one of the most exciting developments. More specifically, time-consuming data management, inconsistent communication, and repetitive manual procedures frequently limit the fields of academic advising and admissions. Higher education institutions can expedite these procedures, offer prompt assistance, and enhance the overall student experience by implementing AI-powered solutions like chatbots, predictive analytics, and virtual advising assistants (Global Admissions, n.d.; Gonzaga University, 2024). This action research study assesses the effects of AI-driven platforms on student satisfaction and institutional performance while examining how they can be successfully applied in these crucial areas.

Publication Rough Draft April 13, 2025 | EDLD 5317 | Spring 2025 "The goal of digital education is to create learning experiences that are engaging, personalized, and accessible to all." Rough Draft Document (Click Here) Team 9 Peer Review Rubric Abstract This article explores the critical role of integrated student portals in higher education and how they can enhance the student experience by streamlining application processes and supporting academic advising. By offering real-time access to application status, personalized course planning, and graduation progress, these digital platforms empower students to take control of their academic journey while enabling institutions to provide more efficient and proactive support. As colleges and universities continue to adapt to changing student needs, modernizing digital infrastructure is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Introduction For today’s students, navigating college isn’t just about attending classes and studying. It’s about juggling application deadlines, choosing the right courses, meeting degree requirements, and figuring out how to graduate on time. While higher education institutions have long supported students through these processes, the traditional methods often fall short. Paper checklists, delayed advisor meetings, and fragmented information systems can create confusion and unnecessary barriers. This article argues that one of the most powerful ways to improve student success is through the integration of smart, user-friendly online portals. When done well, these platforms bring everything a student needs into one place—from tracking application documents to planning courses and predicting graduation timelines. This not only simplifies the student experience but also allows institutions to operate more efficiently and offer more meaningful support. Intended Outlets for Publication This article is being prepared with the submission requirements of the following publications in mind: Educause Review, which focuses on how technology is reshaping higher education. The Journal of Research on Technology in Education (JRTE), which emphasizes research-driven insights on tech-enhanced learning and systems. Education Next, which provides a platform for innovative practices and policy solutions in education. Each of these journals reaches educators, administrators, and technology leaders who can benefit from and act on the strategies discussed here. The Case for Student Portals A student portal isn’t just a convenience, it’s a centralized system that can radically improve the way students interact with their institution. At its core, a well-designed portal serves as a digital dashboard, offering students access to application updates, degree planning tools, academic records, and communication from advisors. When these systems are fully integrated with admissions and advising processes, they support a more seamless, personalized experience. For example, students applying to a college can immediately see which documents have been received and what steps remain. Once admitted, that same portal can suggest course sequences based on their major, previous credits, and institutional requirements. As they progress, students can view their path to graduation in real time, reducing uncertainty and promoting on-time completion. Supporting Advising Through Automation One of the most valuable features of student portals is their ability to support, not replace, academic advising. These platforms can take over the routine tasks: showing students what courses are required, flagging missing prerequisites, or alerting them when they’re off track. This allows advisors to spend less time answering logistical questions and more time having meaningful conversations about career goals, academic interests, and life after graduation. Portals can also help institutions identify students who may be at risk of falling behind, using data to trigger early interventions. By keeping everything in one place, these systems create a clearer, more proactive advising experience. Benefits for Students and Institutions The benefits of student portals extend across the entire academic ecosystem. For students, they offer a sense of control and reduce stress by making information accessible and easy to understand. For advisors, they save time and improve the quality of support. For institutions, they offer cleaner data, stronger retention strategies, and a modernized student experience that meets the expectations of today’s digital-native learners. When students don’t have to wonder whether their transcript arrived, whether they picked the right class, or when they might graduate, they’re more likely to stay engaged and succeed. Lessons Learned from Implementation The successful implementation of a student portal depends on three things: usability, integration, and ongoing support. The system must be intuitive and mobile-friendly; it should connect seamlessly with admissions, registration, advising, and records; and it must be supported by training and feedback from students and staff alike. One common mistake is launching a portal that tries to do too much, too soon, without enough student input. Institutions that approach the process incrementally (building and refining as they go) tend to see the most success. Digital Resources and Real-World Examples The article will include snapshots of successful implementations, including visual walkthroughs of dashboards that track application steps, course progression, and graduation planning. It will also link to tools and research that support portal integration, including resources on user experience design and digital transformation in education. For example, the Purdue OWL site provides foundational tools for structuring digital content accessibly, while recent studies like Hennessy and Forrester’s (2014) work on feedback frameworks offer insights on how students interact with academic tools online. Conclusion As colleges and universities work to retain students and improve outcomes, investing in digital infrastructure is key. Integrated student portals are not only an efficient solution, they’re an essential part of the modern academic experience. By giving students one place to manage their application documents, track their academic progress, and connect with advisors, institutions can remove barriers and build a culture of support. The future of higher education is digital, and with the right tools, it can also be more personal, more supportive, and more student-centered than ever before.

Literature Review April 27, 2025 | EDLD 5315 | Spring 2025 "Technology can become the “wings” that will allow the educational world to fly farther and faster than ever before – if we allow it.” Access Literature Review Here View the full paper here or click the button below to download the full Literature Review. Enhancing Higher Enrollment: The Impact of AI-Driven Platforms Introduction The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in colleges and universities has the power to change how admissions and academic advising work. These institutions face the challenge of more students wanting to enroll and the need to provide services that are both efficient and personalized. AI technologies help by streamlining operations and improving the overall student experience. These platforms offer automated support for application management, personalized course recommendations, and real-time academic tracking, reshaping how colleges and universities approach the enrollment journey.

Influencer Strategy December 11, 2024 | EDLD 5304 | Fall 2024 "Educators are the architects of the future, shaping minds and igniting the flame of knowledge." Results The goal is to leverage more digital resources, such as interactive checklists and artificial intelligence, to enhance outreach and engagement with both prospective and continuing college students. By integrating these tools, we can provide personalized, efficient communication and offer a more responsive experience. However, it’s crucial to maintain the personable touch that colleges value, ensuring that students feel heard, supported, and connected to the institution. The balance between innovative technology and human interaction will foster a more dynamic and effective approach to student engagement, making it easier for students to navigate their college journey while still feeling like they are part of a community. The effectiveness of digitalized outreach tools can be measured by comparing the number of college applicants from previous years to the current year, as an increase in applications could indicate that the tools are resonating with prospective students. Also, gathering student feedback through surveys provides valuable insights into how well these digital tools are engaging students and meeting their needs. This feedback allows for a deeper understanding of students' experiences and can highlight areas for improvement. By combining these quantitative and qualitative measures, we can assess the impact of digital outreach efforts and make informed adjustments to enhance future engagement. Changing Vital Behaviors The vital behaviors I aim to change in higher education focus on embracing a more dynamic and tech-savvy approach to student engagement, while still prioritizing personal connection and support. I want to encourage a shift towards utilizing more digital tools, such as interactive platforms, prospective student portals, and data-driven outreach, to enhance the student experience. At the same time, it's essential to ensure that these technological advancements do not replace human interaction, but rather complement it, so that students still feel valued and personally connected to the institution. Organizational Influencers More creative, tech-savvy, and out-the-box thinkers would be my key organizational influencers because they possess a deeper understanding of how to effectively leverage technology and digital tools to engage with students. Their familiarity with current technological trends and platforms makes them better equipped to connect with the younger generation, who are often more accustomed to interacting through digital means. These staff members can help drive innovation within the institution by designing engaging, user-friendly digital experiences that resonate with today’s students. Their insights and adaptability are crucial for shaping outreach strategies that align with the expectations and preferences of the modern student body, ensuring that the institution stays relevant and effective in its engagement efforts. Senior staff members may not be the best choice as organizational influencers for the adoption of digital outreach tools because many of them (not all!) hold the belief that technology could undermine the personal experience that is central to the institution's culture. Their long-established focus on traditional, face-to-face interactions with students may make them hesitant to embrace digital solutions fully, viewing them as a potential replacement rather than a complement to human connection. This mindset could limit their effectiveness in driving the adoption of new technologies, as they may prioritize preserving the status quo over exploring innovative ways to enhance the student experience through digital tools. Six Sources of Influence

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