Dr. Elena Novak
Biography
Elena Novak is an Associate Professor of Educational Technology at 麻豆视频. She earned her Ph.D. in Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies from Florida State University in 2012. Dr. Novak鈥檚 research focuses on the integration of emerging learning technologies and innovative pedagogical methods primarily in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science (STEM+CS) education. She develops and evaluates educational interventions that integrate leading-edge learning technologies such as social robotics, AI, 3D printing and immersive 3D modeling, and video games across a range of educational settings, including teacher training, K-12, and higher education. She is particularly interested in creating technology-supported learning experiences that actively engage learners in design thinking and creativity to facilitate deep learning, interest, and engagement. In addition, she investigates how the design of digital learning environments impacts cognitive, affective, and motivational processes that enhance learning and human performance. Dr. Novak鈥檚 research has been funded by federal, state, and private agencies to support K-12 STEM+CS education and teacher professional development. Her recent NSF project, 鈥Physical Science Robotics Interdisciplinary Design (PRIDe) in Computer Science Education: Broadening Participation in STEM through Cascading Peer-Mentorship鈥 focuses on designing, implementing, supporting teachers with computer science and science professional development, and evaluating a cascading peer-mentoring model that connects high school, middle, and elementary school students with a university computer science research lab. Dr. Novak鈥檚 research has been recognized with several international awards sponsored by the American Educational Research Association as well as Association for Educational Communications and Technology. She has published in leading peer-reviewed international journals, such as Computers & Education, Computers in Human Behavior, The Internet & Higher Education, Educational Technology Research & Development, and British Journal of Educational Technology.
Education
Research Methods
Awards/Achievements
- 2024 AECT Emerging Learning Technology Award (2nd place), Association for Educational Communications and Technology
- 2024 EHHS Outstanding Research and Creativity Senior Investigator Award. College of Education, Health, and Human Services (EHHS), 麻豆视频.
- 2023 Educational Technology Research & Development (ETR&D) Editors Reviewer Excellence Award
- (2023-2027) Physical Science Robotics Interdisciplinary Design (PRIDe) in Computer Science Education: Broadening Participation in STEM through Cascading Peer-Mentorship. National Science Foundation, DRK-12 Program. (PI; $1,775,982).
- 2023 EdMedia+Innovative Learning Outstanding Paper Presentation Award. Vienna, Austria.
- 2023 Platinum Teaching Recognition Award, 麻豆视频.
- 2023 Burton W. Gorman Faculty Impact on Reality Award, 麻豆视频
- (2021-2023) Elementary Design for 3D STEM. Martha Holden Jennings Foundation. (PI/Co-PI; $29,978).
- 2020 Featured Researcher, College of Education, Health and Human Services, 麻豆视频
- 2020 AERA Design & Technology Outstanding Research paper award, American Educational Research Association, San Francisco, CA
- 2016 AECT Immersive Learning Award. Association for Educational Communications and Technology, Division of Emerging Learning Technologies, Las Vegas, NV.