iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 13h

🎓 Need help navigating HEDI? Meet Anna Oborn, our HEDI Peer Advisor! She can help with course planning, questions about HEDI, and staying on track for graduation. Have a question? Stop by the ITLS office Mondays or Tuesdays. #EdTech #EducationalTechnology #InstructionalDesign

Anna Oborn smiling outdoors, wearing a pink floral blouse.

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

What does a good computational thinking assessment look like for young children? Chungsoo Na, Jody Clarke-Midura, Wilhelmina van Dijk, and Lingna Xu explore this in a new systematic review. Now published in the Journal of Computer Assisted Learning! Link: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Thinking about publishing your research? 📚 Join ITLSSA on October 7 for a Brown Bag with ITLS faculty member Mimi Recker on getting your writing published in an academic journal! 🕛 12–1 PM 📍 EDUC 280 + Zoom #LearningSciences #EducationResearch #ScienceOfLearning

ITLSSA Brown Bag flyer announcing a presentation by ITLS faculty member Mimi Recker titled “Getting Your Writing Published in an Academic Journal.” The event is October 7, 2026, from 12–1 PM in EDUC 280 and on Zoom. The flyer includes Mimi Recker’s photo, her editorial experience, and a QR code for the Zoom link.

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

🤖 Middle school students can explore AI and data science at the 2026 STEAM Expo! Students will use BBC micro devices to collect motion data and train machine learning models to recognize gestures. 📍 USU Uintah Basin | 📅 Oct. 1–2 #EdTech #EducationalTechnology #InstructionalDesign

STEAM Expo 2026 flyer featuring playful illustrations representing science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The event is October 1–2, 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m., at the USU Uintah Basin Roosevelt Campus.

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

19 Canyons School District elementary paraprofessional librarians completed ITLS’s inaugural Certificate in Para-Librarianship, gaining new tools and perspectives to better support students through their school libraries. Congratulations to Dr. Kelli Munns and our inaugural cohort! 🎓❤️

Photos from the celebration of Utah State University’s inaugural Certificate in Para-Librarianship, a three-semester professional learning program led by Dr. Kelli Munns through the Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences department. The photos show Dr. Munns with certificate recipients, participants celebrating their achievement, and the inaugural cohort gathered together. Nineteen elementary paraprofessional librarians from Canyons School District completed the program, developing skills in literacy, inquiry-based learning, information and media literacy, technology, and supporting students and teachers.

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

🎓 Celebrating ITLS PhD student achievements! Sina Zandi and Zahra Jahani received the 2026 Graduate Enhancement Award. 🌱 Stephen Ameko received the Soulier Scholarship, was selected for the Climate Adaptation Scholarship Program, and earned the Explore Teaching Certificate. #USUITLS #StudentSuccess

Left to right: Zahra Jahani, Stephen Ameko, Sina Zandi

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

19 educators. Three semesters. One big achievement. 🎓📚 Congratulations to the inaugural Certificate in Para-Librarianship cohort from Canyons School District and Dr. Kelli Munns! We’re proud to celebrate the educators strengthening school libraries and creating new possibilities for students. ❤️

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Join us for our ITLS Opening Social! 🎉 📆When: Thursday, September 24th at 6:30-8 PM 📍Where: EDUC 282 + Zoom: scan QR code on the flyer to join virtually - 6:30-7 PM: virtual get-to-know-you games over Zoom - 7-8 PM: socializing and dessert #USUITLS #ITLSGathering #USUEvents

Flyer for the ITLS Opening Social on September 24 from 6:30–8 PM in EDUC 282 and on Zoom. Students, alumni, faculty, friends, and family are invited. Get-to-know-you games will take place from 6:30–7 PM, followed by socializing and dessert from 7–8 PM. Dessert is provided. QR codes are included for RSVP and the Zoom link.

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Reposted by Instructional technology and learning sciences

Deborah Fields @stareyes.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Featured on The Science of Learning Podcast by Keith Sawyer. I listened to the entire episode last night! Can an Entire Society Learn? Educational Reform in Thailand with @pauloblikstein.bsky.social YouTube, Spotify, Apple... youtu.be/i4J3zWuejKY @mitpress.bsky.social @usuitls.bsky.social

youtu.be

Can an Entire Society Learn? | Paulo Blikstein and Deborah Fields

YouTube video by Keith Sawyer

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

🍿 Welcome back, ITLS students! Pop in, grab some popcorn, and kick off the semester with us! 🎬✨ #USUITLS #UtahStateUniversity #USUEvents #CampusEvents #USUAggies

Welcome Back Students flyer for ITLS featuring blue theater curtains, movie tickets, a clapperboard, film reels, and popcorn. Students are invited to stop by ITLS on Wednesday, September 9, at their convenience to grab a popcorn treat

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

💡 Got an idea? Share it! Submit to ISLS 2027 🌎 📅 Deadline: Oct. 9, 2026 📍 IIT Bombay, Mumbai 💻 In-person & virtual participation 👉 ISLS 2027: www.isls.org/event/isls-a... #LearningSciences #EducationResearch #ScienceOfLearning

Calling for ISLS 2027 submissions! 📣

This is a photo from Mumbai, India, to introduce the location for ISLS 2027.

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Lisa Lundgren and Dr. Hillary Swanson on their promotions to Associate Professor at Utah State University! 👏 We’re proud to celebrate this well-deserved achievement and their contributions to understanding how people learn. #USUITLS #AcademicAchievement #HigherEducation

Left Dr. Lundgren right Dr. Swanson, holding a certificate recognizing their promotions.

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

How do emotions and self-regulation shape learning? 🧠 ITLS PhD student Shaf Ahmad explored this question at APA 2026. 👏 Check ALT text to know more about his research. #ConferenceHighlights #ResearchOpportunities #LearningOpportunities #EdTechCareers #PhDCareer #GraduateSuccess

Shaf Ahmad stands beside his research poster, “An Integrated Model of Academic Emotions, Self-Regulated Learning, and Cognitive Load,” presented at the APA 2026 Convention.
Why can students with similar abilities experience the same learning task so differently?
Shaf’s model addresses this question by examining how students’ emotions, self-regulation, and cognitive demands influence one another throughout learning. It proposes that emotions shape how learners focus their attention, monitor understanding, allocate effort, select strategies, seek help, and respond to difficulty.
By positioning emotions as a central part of learning, the model offers a foundation for studying why students differ in engagement, perceived difficulty, strategy use, and performance under similar instructional conditions.

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Love design, technology, games, media, or creating better experiences for people? 💡 HEDI at Utah State University lets you turn those interests into your own academic, and future career, path. #ITLS #InstructionalTechnology #LearningScience #STEMEducation #EdTech #ChooseITLS #FutureEducators

HEDI undergraduate program flyer from Utah State University. The flyer highlights seven areas of emphasis, including multimedia, game studies, marketing, culturally responsive design, product development, new venture management, and technical communication. It also lists career possibilities such as UX/UI designer, game designer, product manager, instructional designer, web developer, and project manager. The flyer includes Fall registration information and a QR code to learn more about HEDI.

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Breanne Litts and Dr. Taehyun Kim as they leave ITLS and Utah State University. 💙 We’re grateful for their scholarship, mentorship, and lasting contributions to our community. Wishing them both all the best in what comes next! #ITLSFaculty #ResearchInEducation #ITLS

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Deborah Fields and Dr. Paulo Blikstein on the publication of The Society That Learns with MIT Press! The book explores how lifelong learning transformed communities in Thailand through creativity and collaboration. @stareyes.bsky.social @pauloblikstein.bsky.social

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Congratulations to Dr. David Feldon, Dr. Umar Shehzad, and Spencer Clark on receiving the Outstanding Long Paper Award at ISLS 2026! Their work introduces a context-centered approach to measurement in the learning sciences. InclusiveLearning #CommunityMatters #Collaboration #Innovation #Motivation

Photo of a conference presentation screen displaying the 2026 ISLS Outstanding Long Paper award certificate. The award recognizes David F. Feldon, Umar Shehzad, and Spenser Clark for their paper, "Reinventing Measurement Models for the Learning Sciences: Reconceptualizing Psychometrics to Accommodate Context as Intrinsic to Learning." A presenter stands at the podium in front of the screen in a lecture hall.

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

New publication in Mathematics Teacher: Learning & Teaching PK–12! Based on NSF Grants #2031382 and #2031404 supporting rural paraprofessional educators and computer science learning. Read here: pubs.nctm.org/view/journal... #MTLTPK12 #MTBoS #iteachmath #math #mathed @nctm.org

Publication announcement graphic from Mathematics Teacher: Learning and Teaching PK–12, an NCTM journal. The graphic lists the article title, "See, Anchor, and Frame Mathematics With Coding," by Jessica Shumway, Beverly Sanders, Brittany Wall, Debi Alexander, Kimberly Beck, Jody Clarke-Midura, and Mimi Recker. It includes the DOI 10.5951/MTLT.2025.0175 and publication information for Volume 119, Issue 6. A small image of the journal cover appears in the lower right corner.

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

☀️ ITLSSA Summer Socials are here! 🍔 June 26, 6–9 PM — River Hollow Park, Logan 🔥 July 31, 6–9 PM — Fox Hollow Park, Saratoga Springs Bring family, a side dish, and your favorite game. RSVP via the flyer QR code so we can plan food. See you there! #Community #ITSA #ITLS #Events #summerevents

Flyer titled “ITLSSA Summer Socials – Dinner and Games in the Park.”

Two family-friendly summer events are listed:

• June 26, 6:00–9:00 PM – Burgers at River Hollow Park, 980 E 320 N, Logan, Utah.

• July 31, 6:00–9:00 PM – BBQ Cookout at Fox Hollow Park, 2941 Village Parkway, Saratoga Springs, Utah.

Dinner is provided. Attendees are asked to bring a side dish and games to share. Families are invited.

A QR code is included to RSVP for food count and event updates.

Backup locations: EDUC 280 for the June event and Kristy Bloxham’s house for the July event if needed.

Hosted by USU Instructional Technology & Learning Sciences. The flyer features a green and yellow summer-themed design with park imagery and decorative bunting.

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Community Partner Community Engagement Award recipients for their dedication, collaboration, and contributions to education and community engagement. 💙🎉 #InclusiveLearning #CommunityMatters #Collaboration #Innovation #Motivation #ThinkPositive #StayCurious

Award announcement graphic for ITLS 2026 Awards recognizing Rachel Kenning & Karen Merritt with the Community Partner Community Engagement Award. The post highlights their collaboration with researchers from Utah State University’s College of Education and Human Services since 2020 to design and research middle school science lessons through funded NSF and ASPIRE projects. Their work includes developing five middle school science units, publishing eight lessons through the Teach Engineering website, and contributing to professional development supporting standards-aligned science instruction across Cache Valley and Utah. On the right, Rachel Kenning and Karen Merritt stand holding their award certificates.

Award announcement graphic for ITLS 2026 Awards recognizing Eileen Quintana with the Community Partner Community Engagement Award. The post highlights her leadership in Utah’s Nebo School District Title VI Indian Education program, where she supported Native students, families, educators, and community partnerships. It also recognizes her work integrating Indigenous knowledge into higher education and K–12 learning and her contributions as a community research partner and mentor at Utah State University, including co-authoring conference papers with award-winning recognition in 2025. On the right, Eileen Quintana stands holding her award certificate.

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Learning computational thinking doesn’t have to feel abstract. In ITLS, students learn through design, coding, and real projects. Check the ALT text to learn how coding is taught in ITLS. @stareyes.bsky.social #LearningMatters #HandsOnLearning #StudentExperience #InclusiveLearning #StudentSuccess

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

ITLS students presenting their work at the LIT Conference at BYU. Strong representation by ITLS students contributing to research in learning and technology. #InclusiveLearning #CommunityMatters #Collaboration #Innovation #Motivation #ThinkPositive #StayCurious #LearningCommunity

A group of 16 people, including undergraduate and graduate students, stand together in a conference room in front of a projection screen. The screen reads “Welcome to the Learning, Instruction, and Technology (LIT) Graduate Student Conference.” posing for a group photo

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

From student success to faculty recognition, Dr. Lu Lawrence is having a remarkable year 👏 Swipe to see both achievements, congratulations! #InclusiveLearning #CommunityMatters #Collaboration #Innovation #Motivation #ThinkPositive #StayCurious #LearningCommunity

Certificate of recognition honoring Dr. Lu Lawrence for the Undergraduate Faculty Research Mentor of the Year Award.

Dr. Lu Lawrence prioritizes undergraduate research and leadership at every stage and aspect of research, from grant writing to publication and presentation. Students consistently describe her as attentive and compassionate in their development as emerging researchers. Notably, three undergraduate researchers from her lab have been awarded ITLS Undergraduate Researcher or Scholar of the Year (2025, 2026), including Eva Jones, a student in Psychology, who won the 2026 CEHS Scholar of the Year award. Her impact is evident not only in the scholarly products her undergraduate students generate, but in the sense of belonging she cultivates for students. Her mentorship has a lasting effect on her students. We are delighted to note that Dr. Lawrence has also won the CEHS Undergraduate Faculty Research Mentor of the Year award this year.

Certificate of recognition honoring Dr. Lu Lawrence for the Faculty Community Engagement Award.

In less than 4 years at USU, Dr. Lawrence has embedded herself in the community through research, teaching, and service. Dr. Lawrence’s research program is grounded in community engagement, focusing on a range of topics from sexual health education to artificial intelligence, and including a range of community voices: students, community partners, and other academics. These partnerships are not symbolic; community partners actively contribute to the research process and outcomes, resulting in co-authorship on research outputs and co-PI roles on grant submissions. Further, Dr. Lawrence ensures that research findings are returned to communities in actionable ways: a community action plan, a new makerspace afterschool program, community reports, student-designed zines handed out on campus. She also builds community engagement into her courses and serves on various university committees supporting community engagement, building lasting impact for USU and the communities it serves.

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Feldon on being selected as the ITLS Teacher of the Year! A well-deserved recognition of your dedication and impact #ITLSFaculty #ResearchInEducation #AcademicResearch #InstructionalDesign #InnovationInLearning #HigherEdResearch #EdTechResearch #LearningInnovation

Congratulatory certificate honoring Dr. David Feldon for being selected as ITLS Teacher of the Year. The certificate includes his photo and a description: For many years, Dr. David Feldon has inspired students through his rigorous and thoughtful teaching. He has encouraged students on their academic journeys, opened their eyes to academic career possibilities, motivated their research and stirred their curiosity. These words come from students who nominated him for teaching and mentorship, perhaps the biggest statement about one’s teaching

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Hear from ITLS alumni Joe Androlicz on how to get a job and stay relevant in the ever-changing ITLS field When: Mar. 25, 12-1 PM Where: In-person at EDUC 280 and Zoom option #AggieAlumni #USUAlumni #CareerPathways #EdTechCareers #PhDCareer #GraduateSuccess #IndustryConnections

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

Big congrats to Indu Garg for the Legacy of Utah State Award! Your leadership and community impact are amazing! 🎉 #InclusiveLearning #CommunityMatters #Collaboration #Innovation #Motivation #ThinkPositive #StayCurious

Congratulations certificate featuring Indu Garg’s name for the Legacy of Utah State Award. Indu Garg is naturally brings people together and builds community wherever she goes. She serves on the board for the International Students Program and is always inviting international students and others to get involved and feel welcomed. Indu consistently creates opportunities for connection, whether that means organizing group participation in campus events or bringing her lab together to volunteer. Her commitment to community also shows up clearly in her research. She has played a key role in community engaged projects with school districts, planning and facilitating co-design meetings and supporting partners in meaningful ways. Indu’s leadership, generosity, and dedication have left a lasting impact on Utah State University.

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Meet Jasmine Banman 🌟 Honors student, and lifelong learner. Honors pushed her to think deeper, grow through challenges, and connect with mentors and peers. Excited to see what’s next! 💫 #ITLS #InstructionalTechnology #LearningScience #STEMEducation #EdTech #ChooseITLS #FutureEducators #EdTechDegree

Jasmine is a senior in the HEDI program at Utah State University and a dedicated member of the Honors Program. As an online student, she initially joined Honors for its flexibility, but what she discovered went far beyond that.

Honors challenged her to think deeper, ask better questions, and embrace growth through meaningful academic work. Jasmine learned that Honors isn’t meant to be easy, it’s meant to push you, and that challenge became one of the most rewarding parts of her experience.

Through the program, she connected with inspiring mentors, advisors, and peers who encouraged her to pursue her goals and step confidently into new opportunities. Their support has been instrumental in her academic and personal growth, shaping her desire to pursue meaningful work in the future.

Her advice to students considering Honors? You have nothing to lose. It’s not about being “smarter”, it’s about thinking differently, embracing challenges, and building connections that truly matter.

We’re excited to see where Jasmine’s journey takes her next! 💫

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

Dr. Nate Justis, ITLS alum, is leading USU’s new Collaboratory for Innovation in Teaching and Leadership and the Utah LEARNS Conference, a space for strengthening support for early-career teachers across Utah. ✨ #AggieAlumni #USUAlumni #CareerPathways #EdTechCareers #PhDCareer #GraduateSuccess

The group looks at sticky notes while another person explains the notes.

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

Stephen Kwame Ameko’s AECT research reveals how tech shapes both progress and inequality in Ghana’s distance learning, and why inclusive solutions matter. #AECT#conference #StudentLife #ITLSStudents #LearningMatters #HandsOnLearning #StudentExperience #CampusLife #InclusiveLearning #StudentSuccess

in the photo Stephen Kwame Ameko is presenting his study in a roundtable session to other people. His study is about “Bridging the Virtual Divide: Insights from Secondary Data on Technologies and Distance Learning in Ghana.” Drawing on Digital Divide Theory and a systematic review of studies from 2018 - 2025, Stephen unpacked how technologies like Learning Management Systems (LMS), video conferencing, and virtual simulations continue to shape, and sometimes deepen, inequalities in online education. Key findings highlighted that while digital platforms expand flexibility and engagement, barriers such as limited broadband access, digital literacy gaps, and uneven institutional resources still challenge Ghanaian distance learners. Stephen’s study calls for evidence-based interventions: digital skills training, affordable devices, hybrid learning models, and infrastructure investments to create a more inclusive and equitable distance education landscape in Ghana.

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

Sariah López and Shaf Ahmad conducted a study exploring how ChatGPT can support students’ emotional well-being through a Design-Based Research approach. Shaf ahmaf presented it at #AECT2025 #ITLS #InstructionalTechnology #LearningScience #STEMEducation #EdTech #ChooseITLS #FutureEducators

Shaf Ahmad stands at a podium presenting a research study he conducted with Sariah López. A presentation slide is projected behind him as he speaks to the audience at the AECT 2025 conference.

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

Awesome teamwork from ITLS PhD students on a project about ChatGPT and English learning! Presented by Zahra Jahani, Shaf Ahmad, and Stephen Ameko at AECT 2025. 💡👏 #ITLSFaculty #ResearchInEducation #AcademicResearch #InstructionalDesign #InnovationInLearning #HigherEdResearch #EdTechResearch

Zahra, Stephen, and Shaf present their team’s work during a roundtable session at the AECT conference, discussing ideas with other participants around a table

Zahra, Stephen, and Shaf (left to right) stand together smiling in front of a presentation screen displaying the word “AI” after their roundtable session at the AECT conference.

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 09/11/2025

We’re so proud of Shaf’s excellence in scholarly service and his contributions to advancing research in educational technology and learning sciences. 🌟 #Scholarships #Internships #Workshops #ConferenceHighlights #ResearchOpportunities #LearningOpportunities #AggieEvents #AcademicOpportunities

At the AECT conference event, Shaf Ahmad, a PhD student in ITLS, stands with another man while holding a certificate recognizing him as the 2025 Outstanding Reviewer.
Bluesky: Congrats to ITLS PhD student Shaf Ahmad on the 2025 Outstanding Reviewer Award! 👏

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

Big congratulations to AlLisia Dawkins, ITLS PhD student, for being named a 2025-26 Graduate Fellow at USU! If you want more, check the alt text. #StudentLife #ITLSStudents #LearningMatters #HandsOnLearning #StudentExperience #CampusLife #InclusiveLearning #StudentSuccess

AILisia Dawkins, a PhD student in ITLS, has been selected as a 2025-26 Graduate Fellow for the Center for Intersectional Gender Studies & Research. The fellowship recognizes outstanding graduate student leaders who are committed to intersectional research and practice, supporting an equitable and inclusive climate across USU’s statewide campuses. Fellows can use the support to advance their research, leadership, and work with students and community initiatives that promote equity and inclusion.

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Instructional technology and learning sciences @usuitls.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

Bolaji just completed the Sandra K. Abell Emerging Scholars Fellowship at Northwestern! 🌟 A big step in her journey to advance inclusion in STEM. #Scholarships #Internships #Workshops #ConferenceHighlights #ResearchOpportunities #LearningOpportunities #AggieEvents #AcademicOpportunities

Bolaji completed the Sandra K. Abell Emerging Scholars Fellowship at Northwestern University. Her research focuses on identity development, equity in informal science education, language socialization, and broadening the participation of youth in STEM. At the fellowship, she connected with science education peers, received mentorship from senior scholars, and refined her research ideas with valuable interdisciplinary feedback. She shared that preparing for the fellowship encouraged her to think about the real-world impact of her work, how to communicate it effectively to diverse audiences, and how to position her research for both scholarly advancement and meaningful community change. One of her key insights was realizing the value of learning from others who approach similar questions from different perspectives, which strengthened her own understanding of the importance and impact of her research in science education. Her advice to other doctoral students: take advantage of opportunities like the Abell Fellowship to seek feedback, mentorship, and encouragement these are invaluable for growth as an emerging scholar.

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