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Integrating AI in Instruction
Full text linkIntegrating AI in Instruction is a Professional Learning Module (PLM) created to help educators feel more confident and informed about using artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom. Many teachers feel unsure or even a little afraid of AI simply because it is unfamiliar. This module is designed to break down those fears by introducing practical tools, real classroom applications, and simple strategies that align with high-impact teaching practices. You will explore how to use AI in ways that are ethical and equitable, with a focus on student data privacy and digital citizenship. You will also reflect on how AI can support personalized learning, save time, and enhance your instructional approach without compromising academic integrity or teacher autonomy. By the end, you\u27ll be better equipped to make thoughtful, informed decisions about AI in your teaching.
View professional learning module.https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/improve/1043/thumbnail.jp
Enhancing Sleep Quality: The Interrelationship Between Sleep Hygiene and Comprehensive Well-being
Full text linkIn North Carolina, many adults face sleep loss, negatively impacting cognitive functioning, mental health, and physical well-being. This project aimed to educate the public about sleep hygiene techniques and their benefits. An informational session was conducted on sleep hygiene. The informational session included 31 participants, who then completed a voluntary survey to assess their likelihood of adopting the techniques and their satisfaction with the session. Out of 31 participants, 18 completed the survey. The survey consisted of 10 questions, scored on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), allowing for total scores between 0 and 50. Higher scores indicated more significant agreement with the benefits of sleep hygiene. Results showed strong support for sleep hygiene practices, with responses as follows: Strongly Agree scoring a total of 56.11%, Agree at 35.56%, Neutral at 6.67%, Disagree at 1.11%, and Strongly Disagree at 0.56%. The high levels of agreement suggest that participants were receptive to using sleep hygiene techniques in their daily lives. Overall, the project demonstrated the potential for increased awareness and implementation of sleep hygiene practices among adults in North Carolina, highlighting the importance of education in enhancing sleep quality and overall health
Educational Sessions on Opioid Use Disorder in a Rural Community: A Faith-Based Approach
Full text linkThis scholarly project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a faith-based community education program regarding opioid use disorder (OUD) in a rural area of Person County, North Carolina. Through 4 weekly sessions hosted at Lattisville Grove Missionary Baptist Church, the program provided education on the signs and symptoms of opioid misuse, associated risks, available treatment options, support resources, and the use of Narcan. A pre- and post-survey design using a Likert scale measured changes in knowledge and confidence across five key domains. Data from participants (n = 54 total) showed statistically significant improvements in awareness and self-efficacy in most areas, particularly among sessions with higher attendance. These findings support the potential of faith-based educational interventions to improve community understanding of opioid use disorder and reduce stigma in underserved rural populations
Addressing Physical Inactivity in Cabarrus County
Full text linkBackground: 21% of Cabarrus County, North Carolina, residents report complete physical inactivity during their leisure time, contributing to various health problems affecting 29% to 33% of Cabarrus County residents aged 40 to 84.
Purpose: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to implement and evaluate a 3-week community walking challenge (Trim Before the Turkey Walking Challenge) to increase physical activity and social connectedness among Cabarrus County residents aged 50 and older.
Methods: A pre- and post-program survey design was used to evaluate participant-reported physical activity levels and sense of social engagement. Participants were recruited through the Concord Senior Center and given the option to participate in weekly in-person walking sessions or independently track steps online through the Walk Cabarrus platform. Surveys were distributed via QR code before and via email after the intervention and were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Descriptive analysis showed improvements in weekly physical activity frequency and duration of walking sessions. While group-wide social engagement minimally declined, in-person walking session participants reported stronger feelings of social connectedness compared to those who participated online, only indicating stronger connectedness and satisfaction among the in-person group.
Conclusions: The Trim Before the Turkey Walking Challenge was an effective and feasible intervention for promoting physical activity among older adults in a community setting. In-person engagement appeared to contribute more meaningfully to social connectedness outcomes. Future programs should expand in-person participation options while addressing barriers to online engagement. Long-term program sustainability can be supported through continued collaboration with community health partners
Preserving Memories, Building Relationships
Full text linkLoneliness among adults aged 65 and older is a significant health concern linked to negative physical and mental outcomes, especially in rural communities. This DNP project implemented a 4-week scrapbooking intervention within a faith-based rural community in North Carolina to reduce feelings of loneliness. Guided by Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, participants engaged in collaborative arts activities designed to foster social connection and emotional expression. The potential results of this project are multifaceted, including improved social engagement, emotional well-being, and strengthened community bonds. The findings support integrating creative, relationship-centered strategies into community nursing practice to enhance well-being among older adults
Teacher Voices: A Qualitative Interview Investigation of International Teachers Adjusting to Teaching in the United States
Full text linkTeachers emigrate annually from their native countries to seek employment in the United States. Their roles as cultural ambassadors and highly qualified professionals are put to the test in a new environment. International teachers, like their native counterparts, are charged with the task of meeting the needs of each student. Traditionally, teachers were recruited in hard-to-staff areas such as bilingual education, foreign languages, math, and science; however, for the past decade, recruitment has been done across all disciplines. This study examined the adjustment process and its impact on both educators and the education system in the United States. The goal of this study was to get an understanding of factors related to culture and career implications and their impact on the adjustment process. This qualitative study investigated how international teachers adjust to teaching in the United States. Based on the data gathered through in-depth interviews, eight major themes emerged from the findings. The findings hold significance as they provide data that assist states, counties, school districts, schools, and recruitment agencies in implementing practices that can improve the experiences of international teachers. The implications for practice include a transitional period related to relocation, an action plan for fostering collaboration with native teachers, culture shock related to professional development, testing and measurement, and adherence to meaningful mentorship. Recommendations include a longitudinal study on international teachers adjusting to teaching in American schools, replicating the study focusing on specific content, native teachers, principals, and student perceptions of international teachers, and a study on international teachers and adjusting to technology
Session IIC: Religious Studies Presentation 2 - The Messianic Expectation of the Psalms of Ascents
Full text linkThe presentation will look through the history and authorship of Books IV and V of the Psalms and their usage in Judaism. The main focus of the presentation will be on the defense for and against a messianic reading of the Psalms of Ascents. Then it will wrap up with a conclusion and a talking point of further research
Session IIB: Natural Sciences Presentation 2 - The Physiological Effects of Anabolic Steroids on the Human Body
Full text linkAn in-depth look at anabolic androgenic steroids and their effects on various body systems
Healthcare Consolidation: Effects on Corporate and Private Healthcare Facilities
Full text linkIn this thesis paper the concept of healthcare consolidation is discussed. The distinctions between small and large healthcare organizations’ structures and functions are explained first. Knowing the distinction between how the different sized healthcare organization’s function will give a better understanding to how consolidation occurs in the facilities. The benefits and challenges that small and large healthcare organizations offer is discussed next. After setting an understanding of the differences in healthcare organizations based on size this paper gives a definition of consolidation, and the forms used in healthcare organizations. It discusses vertical, horizontal consolidation, mergers, and acquisitions. Then the paper goes into why healthcare organizations consolidate and the trends of healthcare facilities consolidating. After understanding consolidation, it is explained that there are different benefits and challenges it can cause for patients, employees, the organization, and state regulations. After those effects are discussed, the paper looks at a study conducted to determine if quality of patient care declines after a healthcare facility has consolidated. Then specific examples of healthcare consolidation that occurred in 2021 are discussed. This paper keeps a neutral opinion not claiming that healthcare consolidation is either good or bad. it does give both benefits and challenges of consolidation and explains all the factors that contribute to healthcare consolidation