Research

Research Statement

My current work addresses the role of culture in technology-mediated learning spaces.  I am pursuing two related research strands.  Strand 1 is an investigation of the relationship of culture, technology ownership and use, technology knowledge and skills, and cultural competence in undergraduate students.  Strand 2 is the development of an instrument that considers technology use experiences and cultural characteristics in the assessment of academic technology climate on higher education campuses. My early work used the lens of power, politics and equity to study the influence of technology on organizations and individuals.  At the organizational level, I have studied the role of power and politics in the planning of online degree programs and the use of online technologies for the delivery of career and technical education courses in community colleges. At the individual level, I have studied the transformative impact of online course enrollment on working adults.

Grant Activity

Grants, Funded (since 2006)
Grants, Funded (before 2006) - $380,000
  • Benson, A.D. (2019-2020).  The role of culture in technology-mediated learning spaces.  Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, Teaching/Research Award 8044-WA, Namibia, $105,000. [Funded]
  • Tettegah, S.Y. (2018-2020). Coordinating Curricula and User Preferences to Maximize the Participation of Women and Students of Color in Engineering, National Science Foundation, $300,000. Role: External Evaluator [Funded]
    Benson, A. D. (2015).  QEP Learning in Action CREATE Grant.  Learning in Action, University of Alabama, $1000. [Funded]
  • Benson, A. D. (2014).  SEC Faculty Collaboration: University of Missouri School of Information Science and Learning Technologies. SEC Faculty Travel Program, SECU, $1550. [Funded]
  • Benson, A.D. (2014).  Evaluating Technology-Related Teacher Professional Development (TTPD), UA College of Education, $5950. [Funded]
  • Benson, A. D. (2009).  Technology use in Alabama’s Black Belt Schools: A Needs Assessment, Office of Sponsored Programs Research Grants Program, The University of Alabama, $4300 [Funded[1]]
  • Benson, A. D. (2006). Power, politics and e-learning delivery systems in higher education institutions: A US/UK comparative study, Campus Research Board, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, $15,687. [Funded]

Selected Publications

Publications (since 2007)
Peer-reviewed Publications (before 2007) - 14
Books
  • Benson, A.D., Joseph, R. & Moore, J.L. (Eds.). (2017). Culture, learning and technology: Research and practice.  New York: Routledge.
  • Dabbagh, N., Benson, A.D., Denham, A., Joseph, R., Zgheib, G., Al-Freih, M., Fake, H., & Guo, Z. (2016). Globalization and learning technologies: Pedagogical frameworks and applications.  Springer International.
  • Benson, A.D. & Whitworth, A. (Eds.). (2014). Research on course management systems in higher education.  Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishers.
  • Benson, A.D., Moore, J.L., & Williams van Roof, S. (Eds.). (2013). Cases on educational technology planning, design and implementation: A project management perspective.  Hershey, PA: IGI Global.
  • Moore, J.L. & Benson, A.D. (Eds.). (2012). International perspectives of distance learning in higher education.  InTech Open Access Publishers.
Peer-Reviewed Book Chapters
  • Guo, Z. & Benson, A.D. (2017). Exploring Chinese international students’ use of mobile learning. In Benson, A.D., Joseph, R. & Moore, J.L. (Eds.).  Culture, learning and technology: Research and practice. (pp. 180–195).  New York: Routledge.
  • Benson, A.D., Joseph, R. & Moore, J.L. (2017). Introduction to culture, learning and technology. In Benson, A.D., Joseph, R. & Moore, J.L. (Eds.).  Culture, learning and technology: Research and practice (pp. 1–7).  New York: Routledge.
  • Benson, A. D. (2016).  Angela’s voice: Cherish the support, nurture the relationships.  In Donaldson, A. (Ed.), Women’s voices in the field of educational technology: Our journeys (pp. 99-104). Switzerland: Springer International.
  • Whitworth, A. & Benson, A.D. (2016). The emergence of practice:  Two case studies of Moodle in online education. In G. Veletsianos (Ed.), Emergence and innovation in digital learning: Foundations and applications (pp. 99-118).  Canada: Athabasca University Press.
  • Whitworth, A. & Benson, A.D. (2014). Introduction. In Benson, A. D. & Whitworth, A. (Eds.), Research on course management systems in higher education (pp. xi-xxi). Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.
  • Whitworth, A. & Benson, A.D. (2014). Reflective practice and digital habitats: Responsiveness and directiveness in course management systems. In Benson, A. D. & Whitworth, A. (Eds.), Research on course management systems in higher education (pp. 183-202). Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.
  • Benson, A. D. & Whitworth, A. (2014). The evolution of the CMS: Learning, social shaping, and professional development. In Benson, A. D. & Whitworth, A. (Eds.), Research on course management systems in higher education (pp. 239-251). Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.
  • Benson, A. D. & Whitworth, A. (2014). The public administration program at Churchampton College, UK. In Mizell, A.P. & Pina, A. A. (Eds.), Real Life in Distance Education: Case Studies in Research and Practice (pp. 391-404). Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.
  • Benson, A.D. & Tettegah, S.Y. (2013). Implementing a course management system in a religious school cooperative. In Benson, A.D., Moore, J.P., & Williams van Roof, S. (Eds.), Cases on educational technology planning, design and implementation: A project management perspective. (pp. 57-75). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.
  • Williams van Roof, S., Moore, J.L. & Benson, A.D. (2013). Project management for educational technology projects. In Benson, A.D., Moore, J.P., & Williams van Roof, S. (Eds.), Cases on educational technology planning, design and implementation: A project management perspective (pp. 1-11). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.
  • Benson, A.D., Moore, J.L., Norfles, N., & Starkey, C. (2012). Distance learning and the low-income student. In Moore, J.L. & Benson, A.D. (Eds.), International perspectives of distance learning in higher education (pp. 273-296). InTech Open Access Publishers.
  • Whitworth, A. & Benson, A. D. (2010). Open source course management systems in distance education. In G. Veletsianos (Ed.), Emerging technologies in distance education (pp. 195-213). Canada: Athabasca University Press.
  • Dabbagh, N. & Benson, A. D. (2007). Technology, globalization, and distance education: Pedagogical models and constructs. In Hayden, M., Levy, J. & Thompson, J. (Eds), Handbook of Research in International Education (pp. 188-198). San Francisco: Sage Publishers.
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
  • Benson, A. D. (2018).  A typology for research in culture, learning and technology. TechTrends. doi.org/10.1007/s11528-018-0267-8
  • Harris, K. & Benson, A.D. (in press).  Student and faculty experiences in the flipped learning environment in undergraduate nursing. Nursing Education Perspectives.
  • Garrett, K.N. & Benson, A. D. (2017). Evaluation of instructional design capabilities of asynchronous and synchronous instructors. Online Journal of Distance Administration, 20(3).  Retrieved from http://www.westga.edu/~Edistance/ojdla/fall203/garrett_benson203.html
  • Simpson, J. L., & Benson, A. D. (2013). Student perceptions of quality and satisfaction in online courses. Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 14(4), 221-231.
  • Davis, R.D. & Benson, A. D. (2012). Training for online teaching. Distance Learning, 9(4), 65-72.
  • Benson, A.D., Johnson, S.D., Duncan, J.R., Shinkareva, O., Taylor, G.D., & Treat, T. (2008). Community college participation in distance learning for career and technical education. Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 32(9), 665-687.
  • Benson, A. D., Lawler, C. & Whitworth, A. (2008). Rules, roles and tools: Activity theory and the comparative study of e-learning. British Journal of Educational Technology, 39(3), 456-467.
  • Shinkareva, O. & Benson, A. D. (2007). The relationship between adult students’ instructional technology competency and self-directed learning ability in an online course. Human Resource Development International, 10(4), 417-435.
  • Benson, A. D. & Whitworth, A. (2007). Technology at the planning table: Power and interests in course management systems. Journal of Organisational Transformation and Social Change, (4)1, 75-92.
  • Benson, A.D. (2007). An exploratory study of online postsecondary education for low-income working adults: A view from ESO programs and program directors. Journal of Negro Education, (76)1, 17-30.
Peer Reviewed Conference Proceedings
  • Garett, K.D. & Benson, A.D. (2016, June). Evaluation of instructional design capabilities of asynchronous and synchronous instruction.  In M.N. Clay & J. Stone (Eds.). Proceedings of the DLA2016 Conference (pp.69-77). Jekyll Island, GA: University of West Georgia.
  • Benson, A., Lewis, T., Chappell, B. & Guo, Z. (2013, March). Introduction to ebook publishing for teaching, learning and profit. In R. McBride & M. Searson (Eds.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2013 (pp. 3825-3830). Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
  • R.E. Davis & Benson, A. D. (2009, November).  Faculty training in rural Alabama community colleges: A case study.  In M. Simonson (Ed.) Proceedings of the 31st Annual Convention of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (p. 53-61), Louisville, KY.
  • Benson, A. D. & Starkey, C. (2008, June). Online study and the low-income working student. NECC 2008. San Antonio, TX.
  • Whitworth, A. & Benson, A. D. (2007, January). Taming the lone ranger: The creative development of e-learning technologies within UK and US higher education institutions. Creativity or Conformity Conference. Cardiff, Wales.

Selected Presentations

Presentations (since 2007)
Invited and Peer-reviewed National and International Presentations (before 2007) – 45
Invited Lectures, Seminars and Workshops – International
  • Keynote Speaker.  Digital learning and continuing professional development.  A keynote presentation given at the Teacher Education Indaba, Faculty of Education, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia (October 2019).
  • Guest Lecturer.  Constructive Alignment.  A lecture given in the Professional Development Short Course, Effective Learning and Teaching, Center for Professional Development, Teaching and Learning Improvement, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia (October 2019).
  • Guest Lecturer.  Aligning Instructional Outcomes, Strategies and Assessments.  A lecture given in the Assessment in Higher Education course in the Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education Teaching Program, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia (September 2019).
  • Presenter.  Social Transformation through Education. A presentation given at the 3rd Annual Multi/Interdisciplinary Research Conference.  University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia (July 2019).
  • Guest Lecturer.  Demystifying eLearning while Unpacking Opportunities for Understanding and Use in the 21st Century.  A lecture given in the Teaching and Learning in Higher Education course in the Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education Teaching Program, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia (June 2019).
  • Guest Speaker.  Women and Access to Information.  A presentation given during the Women’s Wednesday Series, American Cultural Center, US Embassy, Windhoek, Namibia (April 2019).
  • Guest Speaker. Moving to Online – Perspectives from the US and Southern Africa.  A noon-hour presentation sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT), University States International University Africa, Nairobi, Kenya (April 2019).
  • Workshop Facilitator. Using Blackboard to Enhance Student Learning and Reduce Lecturer Workload.  A half-day workshop sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT), University States International University Africa, Nairobi, Kenya (April 2019).
  • Workshop Facilitator. Online Course Development.  A four-day workshop sponsored by the Center for Open, Distance and eLearning (CODeL), University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia (April 2019).
  • Guest Speaker.  Born Free.  A presentation given at the Independence Day Celebration and Program, Eldorado Secondary School, Windhoek, Namibia (March 2019).         
  • Guest Lecturer. Technologies of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.  A series of lecturers given during a one-week on-campus session of the Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education Teaching Program, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia (March 2019).
  • Panelist.  History and Archives Forum: Equity in learning and design.  Panel presentation invitation for the 2018 National Convention of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), Kansas City, KS (November 2018).
  • Panelist.  Concerns of tech-supported education in small/developing countries.  Panel presentation at the 2017 National Convention of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), Jacksonville, FL (November 2017).
  • Panelist.  D&D -IDT Professor's Forum: The emerging “E” and “I” focus in preparing new generation of the instructional designers.  Panel presentation at the 2017 National Convention of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), Jacksonville, FL (November 2017).
  • Panelist.  Concerns of tech-supported education in small/developing countries.  Panel presentation at the 2017 National Convention of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), Jacksonville, FL (November 2017).
  • Co-Presenter.  Researching culture, learning and technology.  A webinar scheduled for presentation in the e/merge Africa Webinar series (October, 2017).
  • Co-Instructor.  Active learning in the international classroom: Strategies for increasing cultural competence in teachers and students. A five-day workshop and training session presented at Software College, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China (November, 2016).
Peer-Reviewed Conference Presentations - National & International
  • Ward, P. J., Benson, A., Adala, A., Montgomery, A. (2019, June). Scholarship of Teaching and Learning to Engage Transnational and Intercultural Research Community in Course Design Using a Logic Model Framework. A presentation at the Process Education/Conference on Teaching and Learning, Mobile, AL.
  • Benson, A. D. (2018, October).  A typology for research in culture, learning and technology.  A proposal for a paper presentation at the National Convention of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), Kansas City, KS.
  • Benson, A. D. (2018, October).  Writing and publishing commercial fiction while pursuing an academic (or other) career.  A proposal for a workshop at the National Convention of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), Kansas City, KS.
  • Benson, A. D. & Barlow-Zambodla, A. (2018, October).  Planning and implementing an international research collaboration.  A proposal for a panel presentation at the National Convention of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), Kansas City, KS.
  • Benson, A. D. & Mills, J. (2018, August).  Exploring digital natives academic use of technology through the lens of culture.  Paper accepted for presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), New York.  #Media, Culture and Learning SIG Top Paper Session
  • Benson, A. D., Yeh, H., Asino, T., Chien, S.J., Lumpkin, P.A., and Hsu, Y. (2017, October).  CLT and International divisions moving forward together. Panel presentation at the National Convention of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), Jacksonville, FL
  • Benson, A. D. (2017, October).  Exploring digital natives academic use of technology through the lens of culture. Proposal accepted for the National Convention of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), Jacksonville, FL.
  • Pallitt, N., Wills-Espinosa, N., Asino, T., Benson, A. D., Dickson-Deane, C. (2017, October).  Exploring global collaborations in culture, learning and technology. Panel accepted for presentation at the National Convention of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), Jacksonville, FL.
  • Benson, A. D. (2016, October).  The relationship of national culture and undergraduate students’ recreational and academic uses of technology.  Paper presented at the National Convention of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), Las Vegas, NV.
  • Moore, J.L., Bradshaw, A.C., Dickson-Deane, C. & Benson, A.D. (2016, October).  Technologies and training practices that impact cultural competence and diversity in academia.  Panel session presented at the National Convention of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), Las Vegas, NV.
  • Guo, Z. & Benson, A. (2014, November).  Chinese students use of mobile technologists.  Paper presented at the National Convention of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), Jacksonville, FL.
  • Benson, A.D., Lewis, T.L., Chappell, B. & Guo, Z. (2013, March).  Introduction to e-book publishing for teaching, learning and profit. Paper presented at the 2013 Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education (SITE) Conference, New Orleans, LA
  • Benson, A.D. & Joseph, R. (2012, October).  Shaping your career in instructional technology.  A panel presentation delivered at the National Convention of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), Louisville, KY.
  • Benson, A.D.  (2012, January). Technology use in Alabama’s Black Belt schools.  A paper presentation accepted for the 2012 Hawaii International Conference on Education, Honolulu, CA.
  • Benson, A.D. & Whitworth, A. (2011, October).  Online graduate degree programs:  Uncovering the secrets of the design process.  A paper presentation accepted for the Design, Development and Research Conference, Cape Town, South Africa.
  • R.E. Davis & Benson, A. D. (2009, October).  Faculty training in rural Alabama community colleges: A case study.  A paper presented at the 2009 National Convention of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), Louisville, KY.
  • Benson, A. D., Rice, M., Wright, V. & Lewis, T. (2008, October).  Improving performance of IT graduates:  A case study of IT program re-design.  A paper presented at the 2008 National Convention of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), Orlando, FL
  • Scagnoli, N., Buki, L., Johnson, S., Benson, A.D., Aragon, S. (2008, October).  The influence of online teaching on face-to-face teaching practices.  A paper presented at the 14th annual Sloan-C Asynchronous Learning Networks (ALN) conference, Orlando.
  • Benson, A. D. & Whitworth, A. (2007, May). Subversion or negotiated change: Can academic communities and technostructures work together? A paper presented at the E. Wenger Seminar at the University of Manchester, Manchester (UK).
  • Benson, A. D., Scagnoli, N., & Yoon, S. (2007, October). An emerging model for planning online degree programs. A paper presented at the National Convention of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), Anaheim, CA.
Accessibility | Equal Opportunity | UA Disclaimer | Site Disclaimer | Privacy
 Copyright © 2022 | The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 | (205) 348-6010
Website provided by the Center for Instructional Technology, Office of Information Technology