Research

My primary research interests include: the instructional designs behind effective Web-based and mobile learning environments, typically applied to the teaching and learning of STEM and digital history, by virtual schools and distance education organizations.

Awarded External Grants and Contracts:

Awarded Internal Grants:

  • Oliver, K. (2006). Promoting scientific thinking through collaborative online concept mapping. Faculty Research and Professional Development (FRPD) Fund, $5000.
  • Oliver, K. (2006). Theoretical perspectives on advanced multimedia design. Innovation in Distributed Education Applications (IDEA) Grant, $8000. Seed funding for the Plantation Letters primary source document collection.
  • Oliver, K. (2006). Faculty technology practices database. Learning in a Technology Rich Environment (LITRE) Grant, $6000.
  • Oliver, K., & Raubenheimer, D. (2005). Collaborative online concept mapping. Learning in a Technology Rich Environment (LITRE) Grant, $2500.

Work on Others' Grants Related to Research Interests:

  • Florida Community College at Jacksonville (2001). Web-based, Creating Online Learning Environments (CREOLE) faculty development grant, (FIPSE) $328,331. Proposal co-author, author of two modules, and evaluator.
  • NC State (2005-present). North Carolina 1:1 Learning Technology Initiative (NCLTI), (NC Dept of Public Instruction). Senior Project Advisor--data collection, analysis, reporting.
  • St. Edwards University (2003-2004). Building Teams and Tools for Teaching Consortium (BT3), Preparing Tomorrow's Teacher Today (PT3) Grant. Portfolio Reviewer.
  • University of Georgia, Learning and Performance Support Lab (2003). Project E-Teach: Evidence-Based Technology Enhanced Alternative Curriculum in Higher Education, Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers Today (PT3) Grant, $1,068,000. Authored evaluation plan.
  • University of Georgia, Learning and Performance Support Lab (1998). Apple Education Grant ($25,000). Co-authored proposal sending a team from Oglethorpe County Middle School to a professional development institute in California.
  • University of Georgia, Learning and Performance Support Lab (1997). Oglethorpe County Science Initiative, Georgia Technology Literacy Challenge Fund Grant ($179,000). Authored proposal providing seed funding for dissertation research: Student Use of Computer Tools Designed to Scaffold Scientific Problem Solving with Hypermedia Resources: A Case Study.
  • University of Memphis, Center for Research in Educational Policy (2007-2008). Yale School Development program. Invited Observer at Lexington, NC, Middle School, beta-tested new observation instrument.
  • Virginia Tech, Educational Technologies (2005). Silicon Chalk groupware initiative (Hewlett Packard). External Evaluator.
  • Virginia Tech (2002). SUCCEED Engineering Initiative (NSF). Summative Evaluator.
  • Virginia Tech (2002). Digital Library Network for Engineering and Technology (NSF). Conducted gap analysis of online educational Web tools in Engineering to inform portal design.
  • Virginia Tech (2001). Wireless Interactive Teaching Simulations (WITS), Andrew Mellon Foundation ($50,000). Co-authored proposals to evaluate the implementation of handhelds for participatory exercises in large Economics lecture classes.
  
 
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