Keyonda Smith, PhD | Maryland University of Integrative Health (original) (raw)

Papers by Keyonda Smith, PhD

MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) [Working Title], Mar 21, 2022

There currently remains limited Gamification awareness and training for developers on WCAG confor... more There currently remains limited Gamification awareness and training for developers on WCAG conformance. Studies indicate an increased interest from developers to raise their acceptance, awareness, and technical abilities for designing accessible digital products. This article explores and presents a conceptual module to improve web developers' capabilities and knowledge of accessible digital design. By leveraging the standards put forth by WCAG 2.0, developers can create accessible content for users who identify with various forms of abilities. Four primary principles comprise WCAG 2.0 and 12 standards, and 12 standards deliver fundamental objectives as best practices for developers. These guidelines were employed for gaming content design and development, permitting users to regulate reality and Gamification associations whereas immersing in the game. The goal is to apply diverse processes for each stage of the game to allow challenges and motivation for users to determine novel processes while understanding the guidelines. Assistive Technology was used to navigate each stage. To suit independence or self-reliance, the conceptual model supports players' personalization while completing the game activities. Likewise, employing complex, advanced, and reward dashboards satisfies the proficiency component, and social network communications to other players provide the opportunity for interconnectedness. The conceptual model presented in this paper underpins Gamification and the potential to incorporate evidence-based accessibility principles developed by W3C. The previous examinations focused on instruments (e.g., software, feature, components) to achieve WCAG conformance. This examination presents a distinction from prior studies as this conceptual model recognizes consciousness and self-determination as the initial starting point.

This paper encourages the exploration of a possible qualitative component to the final dissertati... more This paper encourages the exploration of a possible qualitative component to the final dissertation process. Trident University requires a quantitative dissertation; however, adding a qualitative element is an option. In education, many topics of research subjects are based on the views of those involved as research participants. This increases the need to include the qualitative factors when describing the quantitative results. In order to gain a better understanding of the quantitative data; the author may need to collect qualitative data. This paper allows for the examination of one’s topic and its ability to uphold a qualitative examination of the phenomenon. Each section requires an additional area of proper qualitative research when integrated with a quantitative research study.

Universities and colleges throughout the nation and the globe are responding to nontraditional st... more Universities and colleges throughout the nation and the globe are responding to nontraditional students’ needs by offering online courses and programs. Over the years, technological advances have required universities to explore alternative teaching paradigms to meet the demands of today’s students. The purpose of this proposed study is to identify if a relationship exists between acupuncture students performance outcomes and their perceptions of online course equivalency. To provide an applicable framework to investigate the research problems, the Equivalency Theory, developed by Simonson, Schlosser & Hanson (1999), will integrate preceding theories of distance learning into a paradigm relevant to the technological advancements of today’s healthcare education. A comparative quantitative research design will be utilized in this proposed study. Upon IRB approval, consent will be obtained from the students enrolled in the online and the students enrolled in the on-campus sections of the selected acupuncture course. Data for the respective sections will be collected from students’ online transcripts; the university’s learning management system for interactions, access data, course grades/assignments, and a separate course evaluation system. Student perceptions will be measured by use of Platt, Amber & Yu (2014) Likert survey instrument. All data will be analyzed utilizing a statistical software package (SPSS) to compare online and on-campus student perceptions to performance outcomes.

International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 2002

The use of rigorous qualitative research methods can enhance the development of quality measures,... more The use of rigorous qualitative research methods can enhance the development of quality measures, the development and dissemination of comparative quality reports, as well as quality improvement efforts. This paper describes how such methods have been and can be used, and identifies how to improve the use of such methods in studying quality of care. Focus groups and cognitive interviews are now a standard part of the development of valid and reliable survey instruments. They are particularly useful in developing surveys to gather data on the experiences and responses of patients and consumers to plans, services, and providers. These two methods have also been adapted and applied to improve the development and dissemination of comparative quality reports to consumers and other audiences, while key informant interviews and focus groups have been critical in the exploratory assessment of stakeholder responses to reports and their effects on consumers. Interviews have also been used to identify best practices found in health plans receiving high scores on the Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Surveys and measures of effectiveness in the Health Employer Data and Information Set. It would be valuable to widen the use of qualitative methods, especially structured observations, to document in detail the delivery of services designed to improve quality, so the implementation of complex processes can be more carefully measured and related to outcomes. The design and conduct of rigorous qualitative research takes a skilled and experienced team. Issues commonly faced in quantitative work must also be addressed in qualitative studies, including study design, specification of the unit of analysis, sampling, instrument design and administration, and, in particular, data analysis. It is especially critical that the analysis and interpretation process be deliberate and thorough to avoid the use of initial impressions rather than detailed examination of the raw data.

Racial, gender and economic inequality are among the biggest issues in today’s world. The world o... more Racial, gender and economic inequality are among the biggest issues in today’s world. The world of higher education is concerned with these categories and its triangulation – yet the world of higher education also lacks a significant population of people, and particularly women of color. Why is this? What drives this crisis? Specifically, as it pertains to leadership positions. Defined for the purposes of this paper as reflecting faculty and administrative positions, there are very few African American women present. This paper considers the structuring absence of African American women in higher education leadership, focusing on the available quality literature. This literature review evaluates and examines the future role of AA women in academic leadership and identifies the achievement gap in leadership due to several contributing factors.

International Journal of Information and Learning Technology

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the issue of access to digital technology by using... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the issue of access to digital technology by using the lens of accessibility as set forth by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. More specifically, this paper focuses on gamification, considers the needs of all learners, including those who identify as disabled, and raises important inquiries about equity and access to technological instructional materials.Design/methodology/approachJuxtaposing Kapp’s (2012) nine elements of gamification with aspects of accessibility, this paper conceptualizes the challenges and possibilities associated with gamified instructional approaches.FindingsThis paper examines gamification in light of potential barriers that exist as disabled learners navigate online courses that include one or more of the following aspects of gamification – game-based, mechanics, aesthetics, game-thinking, engage, people, motivate action, promote learning, and solve problems. Notably...

This paper explores four standard qualitative research methods; Ethnography, grounded theory, cas... more This paper explores four standard qualitative research methods; Ethnography, grounded theory, case study and action research. It is appropriate to use these research methods when targeting a specific population. Researchers, who understand the fundamentals of developing qualitative research and investigations employ these methods to seek an answer to a question or phenomenon, collect evidentiary support data, produce findings, or systematically execute a consistent procedure.

The interactionist perspective is a unique theoretical structure for sociology; instead starting ... more The interactionist perspective is a unique theoretical structure for sociology; instead starting with existing parts (functionalist perspective) or power struggles (conflict perspective), the interactionist perspective initiates with people as its unit of analysis. Individuals create social realities through interaction, negotiation, and communication. As Long (2012) purported, “The interactionist perspective takes the position that it is people who exist and act. All the other ‘structures’ found in society are nothing but human creations” (n.p.). It is within this framework that Granovetter (1973) posited his theory regarding networks, interactions, and relationships. Granovetter’s work on the strength of weak ties essentially advanced social network analysis within the interactionist theoretical perspective, creating a link between the micro-sociologists of the interactionist perspective and macro-sociologists of alternative theoretical persuasions.

This paper requires the examination of contemporary trends or debatable topics in regards to acad... more This paper requires the examination of contemporary trends or debatable topics in regards to academic and program planning of South Africa’s higher education system. The educational gap between black and white students post-apartheid is an issue faced by South Africans that requires immediate attention. This paper also examines contributory factors of this phenomenon, to include financial, academic, and social barriers. South Africa’s current higher education systems academic and program planning strategies demand international attention and intervention. Additionally, this paper provides an overview of South Africa’s higher education history, early development and impact on academic and program planning. The South African Council on Higher Education (CHE) oversees quality assurance for colleges and universities within their system. The CHE ensures integrity with academic and program planning, monitor programmatic outcomes, and establish guidelines for participating institutions.

This paper encourages the exploration of a possible qualitative component to the final dissertati... more This paper encourages the exploration of a possible qualitative component to the final dissertation process. Trident University requires a quantitative dissertation; however, adding a qualitative element is an option. In education, many topics of research subjects are based on the views of those involved as research participants. This increases the need to include the qualitative factors when describing the quantitative results. In order to gain a better understanding of the quantitative data; the author may need to collect qualitative data. This paper allows for the examination of one’s topic and its ability to uphold a qualitative examination of the phenomenon. Each section requires an additional area of proper qualitative research when integrated with a quantitative research study.

Racial, gender and economic inequality are among the biggest issues in today’s world. The world ... more Racial, gender and economic inequality are among the biggest issues in today’s world. The world of higher education is concerned with these categories and its triangulation – yet the world of higher education also lacks a significant population of people, and particularly women of color. Why is this? What drives this crisis? Specifically, as it pertains to leadership positions. Defined for the purposes of this paper as reflecting faculty and administrative positions, there are very few African American women present. This paper considers the structuring absence of African American women in higher education leadership, focusing on the available quality literature. This literature review evaluates and examines the future role of AA women in academic leadership and identifies the achievement gap in leadership due to several contributing factors.

The University selected for this policy serves students of the greater Atlanta metro area as well... more The University selected for this policy serves students of the greater Atlanta metro area as well as online students. With a student population of approximately 3,000; Life University is a non-profit institution that recently implemented an online learning program. With this recent program addition, there is a lack in policies in place to create and maintain a compliant distance education program. This policy paper encompasses proper copyright acknowledgements, FERPA, and Title IX for online courses.

Naturopathic interventions encompass a holistic approach to lifestyle changes which promote posit... more Naturopathic interventions encompass a holistic approach to lifestyle changes which promote positive health and wellness. Naturopathic practitioners believe nature possesses all properties needed to increase healing power. Moreover, naturopathic practitioners regard prevention as the best cure (Thiel, 2000, p. 11). Food has also been utilized as a medicinal modality in naturopathy. Specifically, herbs, which are considered foods with special biochemical qualities, and plants, are the focus of naturopath’s ingredients when developing a good health menu. Biodynamic farming is the agricultural processes involved in growing foods which are organic in nature (Paull, 2011). The techniques involved in biodynamic gardening exclude any use of artificial chemicals during the soil and plants growing process.

This research seeks to identify causal mechanisms which may predispose males and females to psych... more This research seeks to identify causal mechanisms which may predispose males and females to psychopathology. Past studies have shown notable differences between males and females and their incidences of psychopathology.

The purpose of this study is to measure the effectiveness of a newly implemented approach to onli... more The purpose of this study is to measure the effectiveness of a newly implemented approach to online program evaluations. This new approach will contain heavy utilization of the student learning logs. The evaluators utilized data triangulation as the program evaluation framework. Data triangulation validates data by the analysis of two or more sources (Barnes & Vidgen, 2006). The data was obtained from students enrolled in a statewide K-12 online educational institution. Data collected includes: Activity logs from the Blackboard accumulator program, student demographics, course surveys, and course engagement activity.

MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) [Working Title], Mar 21, 2022

There currently remains limited Gamification awareness and training for developers on WCAG confor... more There currently remains limited Gamification awareness and training for developers on WCAG conformance. Studies indicate an increased interest from developers to raise their acceptance, awareness, and technical abilities for designing accessible digital products. This article explores and presents a conceptual module to improve web developers' capabilities and knowledge of accessible digital design. By leveraging the standards put forth by WCAG 2.0, developers can create accessible content for users who identify with various forms of abilities. Four primary principles comprise WCAG 2.0 and 12 standards, and 12 standards deliver fundamental objectives as best practices for developers. These guidelines were employed for gaming content design and development, permitting users to regulate reality and Gamification associations whereas immersing in the game. The goal is to apply diverse processes for each stage of the game to allow challenges and motivation for users to determine novel processes while understanding the guidelines. Assistive Technology was used to navigate each stage. To suit independence or self-reliance, the conceptual model supports players' personalization while completing the game activities. Likewise, employing complex, advanced, and reward dashboards satisfies the proficiency component, and social network communications to other players provide the opportunity for interconnectedness. The conceptual model presented in this paper underpins Gamification and the potential to incorporate evidence-based accessibility principles developed by W3C. The previous examinations focused on instruments (e.g., software, feature, components) to achieve WCAG conformance. This examination presents a distinction from prior studies as this conceptual model recognizes consciousness and self-determination as the initial starting point.

This paper encourages the exploration of a possible qualitative component to the final dissertati... more This paper encourages the exploration of a possible qualitative component to the final dissertation process. Trident University requires a quantitative dissertation; however, adding a qualitative element is an option. In education, many topics of research subjects are based on the views of those involved as research participants. This increases the need to include the qualitative factors when describing the quantitative results. In order to gain a better understanding of the quantitative data; the author may need to collect qualitative data. This paper allows for the examination of one’s topic and its ability to uphold a qualitative examination of the phenomenon. Each section requires an additional area of proper qualitative research when integrated with a quantitative research study.

Universities and colleges throughout the nation and the globe are responding to nontraditional st... more Universities and colleges throughout the nation and the globe are responding to nontraditional students’ needs by offering online courses and programs. Over the years, technological advances have required universities to explore alternative teaching paradigms to meet the demands of today’s students. The purpose of this proposed study is to identify if a relationship exists between acupuncture students performance outcomes and their perceptions of online course equivalency. To provide an applicable framework to investigate the research problems, the Equivalency Theory, developed by Simonson, Schlosser & Hanson (1999), will integrate preceding theories of distance learning into a paradigm relevant to the technological advancements of today’s healthcare education. A comparative quantitative research design will be utilized in this proposed study. Upon IRB approval, consent will be obtained from the students enrolled in the online and the students enrolled in the on-campus sections of the selected acupuncture course. Data for the respective sections will be collected from students’ online transcripts; the university’s learning management system for interactions, access data, course grades/assignments, and a separate course evaluation system. Student perceptions will be measured by use of Platt, Amber & Yu (2014) Likert survey instrument. All data will be analyzed utilizing a statistical software package (SPSS) to compare online and on-campus student perceptions to performance outcomes.

International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 2002

The use of rigorous qualitative research methods can enhance the development of quality measures,... more The use of rigorous qualitative research methods can enhance the development of quality measures, the development and dissemination of comparative quality reports, as well as quality improvement efforts. This paper describes how such methods have been and can be used, and identifies how to improve the use of such methods in studying quality of care. Focus groups and cognitive interviews are now a standard part of the development of valid and reliable survey instruments. They are particularly useful in developing surveys to gather data on the experiences and responses of patients and consumers to plans, services, and providers. These two methods have also been adapted and applied to improve the development and dissemination of comparative quality reports to consumers and other audiences, while key informant interviews and focus groups have been critical in the exploratory assessment of stakeholder responses to reports and their effects on consumers. Interviews have also been used to identify best practices found in health plans receiving high scores on the Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Surveys and measures of effectiveness in the Health Employer Data and Information Set. It would be valuable to widen the use of qualitative methods, especially structured observations, to document in detail the delivery of services designed to improve quality, so the implementation of complex processes can be more carefully measured and related to outcomes. The design and conduct of rigorous qualitative research takes a skilled and experienced team. Issues commonly faced in quantitative work must also be addressed in qualitative studies, including study design, specification of the unit of analysis, sampling, instrument design and administration, and, in particular, data analysis. It is especially critical that the analysis and interpretation process be deliberate and thorough to avoid the use of initial impressions rather than detailed examination of the raw data.

Racial, gender and economic inequality are among the biggest issues in today’s world. The world o... more Racial, gender and economic inequality are among the biggest issues in today’s world. The world of higher education is concerned with these categories and its triangulation – yet the world of higher education also lacks a significant population of people, and particularly women of color. Why is this? What drives this crisis? Specifically, as it pertains to leadership positions. Defined for the purposes of this paper as reflecting faculty and administrative positions, there are very few African American women present. This paper considers the structuring absence of African American women in higher education leadership, focusing on the available quality literature. This literature review evaluates and examines the future role of AA women in academic leadership and identifies the achievement gap in leadership due to several contributing factors.

International Journal of Information and Learning Technology

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the issue of access to digital technology by using... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the issue of access to digital technology by using the lens of accessibility as set forth by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. More specifically, this paper focuses on gamification, considers the needs of all learners, including those who identify as disabled, and raises important inquiries about equity and access to technological instructional materials.Design/methodology/approachJuxtaposing Kapp’s (2012) nine elements of gamification with aspects of accessibility, this paper conceptualizes the challenges and possibilities associated with gamified instructional approaches.FindingsThis paper examines gamification in light of potential barriers that exist as disabled learners navigate online courses that include one or more of the following aspects of gamification – game-based, mechanics, aesthetics, game-thinking, engage, people, motivate action, promote learning, and solve problems. Notably...

This paper explores four standard qualitative research methods; Ethnography, grounded theory, cas... more This paper explores four standard qualitative research methods; Ethnography, grounded theory, case study and action research. It is appropriate to use these research methods when targeting a specific population. Researchers, who understand the fundamentals of developing qualitative research and investigations employ these methods to seek an answer to a question or phenomenon, collect evidentiary support data, produce findings, or systematically execute a consistent procedure.

The interactionist perspective is a unique theoretical structure for sociology; instead starting ... more The interactionist perspective is a unique theoretical structure for sociology; instead starting with existing parts (functionalist perspective) or power struggles (conflict perspective), the interactionist perspective initiates with people as its unit of analysis. Individuals create social realities through interaction, negotiation, and communication. As Long (2012) purported, “The interactionist perspective takes the position that it is people who exist and act. All the other ‘structures’ found in society are nothing but human creations” (n.p.). It is within this framework that Granovetter (1973) posited his theory regarding networks, interactions, and relationships. Granovetter’s work on the strength of weak ties essentially advanced social network analysis within the interactionist theoretical perspective, creating a link between the micro-sociologists of the interactionist perspective and macro-sociologists of alternative theoretical persuasions.

This paper requires the examination of contemporary trends or debatable topics in regards to acad... more This paper requires the examination of contemporary trends or debatable topics in regards to academic and program planning of South Africa’s higher education system. The educational gap between black and white students post-apartheid is an issue faced by South Africans that requires immediate attention. This paper also examines contributory factors of this phenomenon, to include financial, academic, and social barriers. South Africa’s current higher education systems academic and program planning strategies demand international attention and intervention. Additionally, this paper provides an overview of South Africa’s higher education history, early development and impact on academic and program planning. The South African Council on Higher Education (CHE) oversees quality assurance for colleges and universities within their system. The CHE ensures integrity with academic and program planning, monitor programmatic outcomes, and establish guidelines for participating institutions.

This paper encourages the exploration of a possible qualitative component to the final dissertati... more This paper encourages the exploration of a possible qualitative component to the final dissertation process. Trident University requires a quantitative dissertation; however, adding a qualitative element is an option. In education, many topics of research subjects are based on the views of those involved as research participants. This increases the need to include the qualitative factors when describing the quantitative results. In order to gain a better understanding of the quantitative data; the author may need to collect qualitative data. This paper allows for the examination of one’s topic and its ability to uphold a qualitative examination of the phenomenon. Each section requires an additional area of proper qualitative research when integrated with a quantitative research study.

Racial, gender and economic inequality are among the biggest issues in today’s world. The world ... more Racial, gender and economic inequality are among the biggest issues in today’s world. The world of higher education is concerned with these categories and its triangulation – yet the world of higher education also lacks a significant population of people, and particularly women of color. Why is this? What drives this crisis? Specifically, as it pertains to leadership positions. Defined for the purposes of this paper as reflecting faculty and administrative positions, there are very few African American women present. This paper considers the structuring absence of African American women in higher education leadership, focusing on the available quality literature. This literature review evaluates and examines the future role of AA women in academic leadership and identifies the achievement gap in leadership due to several contributing factors.

The University selected for this policy serves students of the greater Atlanta metro area as well... more The University selected for this policy serves students of the greater Atlanta metro area as well as online students. With a student population of approximately 3,000; Life University is a non-profit institution that recently implemented an online learning program. With this recent program addition, there is a lack in policies in place to create and maintain a compliant distance education program. This policy paper encompasses proper copyright acknowledgements, FERPA, and Title IX for online courses.

Naturopathic interventions encompass a holistic approach to lifestyle changes which promote posit... more Naturopathic interventions encompass a holistic approach to lifestyle changes which promote positive health and wellness. Naturopathic practitioners believe nature possesses all properties needed to increase healing power. Moreover, naturopathic practitioners regard prevention as the best cure (Thiel, 2000, p. 11). Food has also been utilized as a medicinal modality in naturopathy. Specifically, herbs, which are considered foods with special biochemical qualities, and plants, are the focus of naturopath’s ingredients when developing a good health menu. Biodynamic farming is the agricultural processes involved in growing foods which are organic in nature (Paull, 2011). The techniques involved in biodynamic gardening exclude any use of artificial chemicals during the soil and plants growing process.

This research seeks to identify causal mechanisms which may predispose males and females to psych... more This research seeks to identify causal mechanisms which may predispose males and females to psychopathology. Past studies have shown notable differences between males and females and their incidences of psychopathology.

The purpose of this study is to measure the effectiveness of a newly implemented approach to onli... more The purpose of this study is to measure the effectiveness of a newly implemented approach to online program evaluations. This new approach will contain heavy utilization of the student learning logs. The evaluators utilized data triangulation as the program evaluation framework. Data triangulation validates data by the analysis of two or more sources (Barnes & Vidgen, 2006). The data was obtained from students enrolled in a statewide K-12 online educational institution. Data collected includes: Activity logs from the Blackboard accumulator program, student demographics, course surveys, and course engagement activity.

Universities and colleges throughout the nation and the globe are responding to nontraditional st... more Universities and colleges throughout the nation and the globe are responding to nontraditional students’ needs by offering online courses and programs. Over the years, technological advances have required universities to explore alternative teaching paradigms to meet the demands of today’s students. The purpose of this proposed study is to identify if a relationship exists between acupuncture students performance outcomes and their perceptions of online course equivalency. To provide an applicable framework to investigate the research problems, the Equivalency Theory, developed by Simonson, Schlosser & Hanson (1999), will integrate preceding theories of distance learning into a paradigm relevant to the technological advancements of today’s healthcare education. A comparative quantitative research design will be utilized in this proposed study. Upon IRB approval, consent will be obtained from the students enrolled in the online and the students enrolled in the on-campus sections of the selected acupuncture course. Data for the respective sections will be collected from students’ online transcripts; the university’s learning management system for interactions, access data, course grades/assignments, and a separate course evaluation system. Student perceptions will be measured by use of Platt, Amber & Yu (2014) Likert survey instrument. All data will be analyzed utilizing a statistical software package (SPSS) to compare online and on-campus student perceptions to performance outcomes.