NJCU Ed Tech 2024 Year in Review

TECHNOLOGY
EDUCATIONAL
DEPARTMENT
2024
IN REVIEW
YEAR
NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY
From the Present to Possibilities

FROM THE
MESSAGE
CHAIRPERSON
As we reflect on an incredible year in the
Educational Technology Department at NJCU, I
am filled with pride and inspiration by the
remarkable achievements of our students,
alumni, and faculty. From groundbreaking
research to the development of cutting-edge
digital tools that are transforming classrooms,
our community continues to lead the way in
shaping the future of education. Our graduates
are thriving in dynamic careers, our faculty are
driving meaningful change, and our students are
pushing the boundaries of creativity and
learning. This year has been a testament to the
power of collaboration, creativity, and
dedication, and I invite you to join us in this
dynamic and forward-thinking department.
Whether you're an aspiring educator, a tech
enthusiast, or a professional seeking to elevate
your expertise, our programs offer the tools,
support, and opportunities to help you achieve
your goals and make a lasting impact.
Be a part of our journey as we inspire, innovate,
and transform tomorrow’s learning landscape!
Regards,
Laura Zieger, Ed.D.
Chairperson and Professor
Educational Technology Department
2
2024 Year in Review

Educational Technology at New Jersey City University
celebrating 20 years of preparing New Jersey School Librarians
In 2001, the Educational Technology Department at NJCU
began working with New Jersey school librarians--in classes,
school libraries, and workshops--to prepare these essential
educators for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st
Century.
In 2002, with the advocacy and input of the NJCU Ed Tech
faculty, the NJ Department of Education released bold new
standards for School Library Media Specialists, incorporating
many of the principles and objectives from the work of the Ed
Tech Department.
In 2003 the NJCU Ed Tech Department began its School Library
Media Specialist program, graduating its first group of certified
school librarians in 2005.
We have prepared over 300 New Jersey school librarians who
come from every county in the state, and our department has
won several national awards. We are just getting warmed up as
we eagerly prepare for the next 20 years.
Margaret-Adjoga-Otu
Villy Gandhi Leadership Award, 2020
Newark Public Schools
Alum Highlights
Patricia Dennis
Executive Women of New Jersey Merit Scholar, 2024
Orange Public Schools
Arielle Denrich
New Jersey Technology and Engineering Educators Association
Excellent in Teaching Award, 2015
Somerville Public Schools
Iveth Mollinedo
Ruth Toor Outstanding Media Specialist in New Jersey, 2020
Cliffside Park Public Schools
Samantha Melworm
New Jersey Exemplary Educator Award, 2022
Scotch Plains Public Schools
Grace Poli
Technologist of the Year, New Jersey Association for Educational
Technology, and an Apple Distinguished Educator
Union City Public Schools, 2006
“School Libraries truly transform learning, and
school librarians are at the forefront of that.
NJCU’s program prepared me for all aspects of
my job. NJCU’s program prepares candidates
to be future-ready librarians, and I highly
recommend the program to those looking to
blend innovation with passion.”
--Edna Bercaw, Milford, NJ
“I love the program at NJCU. The classes are
varied and interesting, and the professors are
kind and knowledgeable. The courses have
helped me immensely in my daily work as a
school library media specialist.”
-- Mia Styles, Hillsborough NJ
Skye Silverstein
New Jersey Progressive School Library Media Program, 2021
Cherry Hill Public Schools
---and countless others.
2024 Year in Review 3

The Spring 2024 Webinar Series was a rousing success with over 1500
participants. This year's theme was Artificial Intelligence Applications in
Education. Kudos to the students in the Educational Technology Leadership
Doctoral Program who ran the program. This series covered a wide range of
aspects of AI in education.
SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
4
2024 Year in Review

BETWEEN CREATIVITY
HARMONY
TECHNOLOGY
AND
SPRING
DULI PLLANA
This workshop gave an overview and hands-on examples of the role that
creativity can have in math education. Technology can harness both creativity
and mathematical thinking, and this workshop demonstrated how it can do both
seamlessly and simultaneously. This workshop also connected creativity to
computational thinking. Participants applied technology in the four areas of
computational thinking—decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and
algorithms. Creativity is intricately connected to all forms of innovation,
including technology. Thus, creativity and technology coexist harmoniously.
Where there is technology, there is creativity. When creativity and technology
converge in both time and place, their presence is in complete harmony. This
workshop gave participants both the mindset and hands-on skills to connect
creativity with mathematics through technology.
Duli Pllana earned a master's degree in
mining engineering in Kosovo. In 1999, he
sought refuge in the USA, initiating an
academic journey through the American
Language Program and progressing to
pursue a doctoral degree at NJCU.
His professional background encompasses
various roles: math tutor, adjunct professor,
and math teacher at Jose Marti STEM
Academy in Union City. He has published
numerous research papers in peer reviewed
journals.
2024 Year in Review 9

INTEGRATION OF AI IN
EFFECTIVE
CLASSROOMS
SPRING
NADIA ABDALLAH
This webinar demonstrated the element of an AI education course designed
for the instruction of novice teachers. This specialized course serves as a
comprehensive guide, imparting essential knowledge and pedagogical
strategies tailored to equip educators with the skills necessary to incorporate
artificial intelligence concepts into their teaching methodologies. By drawing
upon the course content, this presentation highlights a well-rounded overview
of the basics of AI teacher education. Participants will gain a solid foundation
in understanding the principles of artificial intelligence, fostering a more
informed and technologically literate generation of educators.
With over 17 years of experience in education and training, Nadia is a
passionate and innovative leader who aims to enhance educational
opportunities and outcomes for youth in the Middle East North African
(MENA) region. She holds a B.A in English, an M.A in Adult Education, and a
Masters of Education in Practice-Based Educational Research.
As the Chief Education Officer at INJAZ Al-Arab, the MENA regional operating
center for Junior Achievement Worldwide, Nadia oversees the development
and implementation of educational initiatives in 13 countries, serving more
than one million students annually. She collaborates with various stakeholders,
including educators, policymakers, and industry partners, to create and deliver
engaging and relevant programs that foster entrepreneurship, financial
literacy, and work readiness skills. She also leverages her expertise in content
creation, technology integration, and literacy development to ensure the
quality and impact of our curriculum and assessment. Through her role, she
aspires to empower the next generation of learners and leaders in the MENA
region and beyond.
2024 Year in Review 11

AI IN SCHOOL
UTILIZING
DEPARTMENTS
TECHNOLOGY
SPRING
CARALEE GATELY
School technology departments play diverse roles,
overseeing tasks ranging from the administration of
IT infrastructure and networks to the management
and repair of device fleets, while also working to
integrate educational technology tools into
classrooms. In this webinar, participants explored
how School Technology Departments can utilize AI
tools to save time by sharing experiences to learn
from each other through a community of practice.
Caralee Gately is the District Technology Coordinator for Washington
Township Schools in Morris County. Throughout her career, she has served
as a School Library Media Specialist and Educational Technology
Coordinator in PreK-8 as well as teaching at the Elementary, Middle and
High School levels. Caralee holds a master’s degree in educational
technology from New Jersey City University where she is currently pursuing
her doctorate in Educational Technology Leadership.
JANET GEORGE
IN MATH INSTRUCTION
AI
This presentation introduced participants to the resources and techniques of
using AI in math education. Learning math is not just about solving different
kinds of equations or memorizing various types of formulas. It is about
developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Janet George is a high school math teacher in
Jersey City. She earned her master’s in
mathematics from NJCU. She has been in the
district for 12 years and has taught Algebra I,
geometry, and Algebra II. She has taught in both
inclusion settings and general educational classes.
She works collaboratively with her inclusion
teacher to help general education students and
students with special needs. She has presented to
different educators in and out of her school district
on math, technology, and inclusion.
12
2024 Year in Review

ADMISSION COUNSELING AND
COLLEGE
TECHNOLOGY
Congrats to Dr. Christine Enrico (Cohort 6). She was published by the National
Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) in the Fundamentals of
College Admissions Counseling 6th Edition, the authoritative text on the field. Her
chapter is "Technology in College Counseling" and is based on her dissertation
research.
Dr. Enrico is currently a district school counseling supervisor in Paramus, NJ. Her
doctoral work focused on technology’s role in the college admissions process, school
counselors’ use of technology, and the need for continued ongoing professional
development.
14
2024 Year in Review

LIFT PROGRAM
New Jersey City University and the A. Harry Moore Laboratory School
formally introduced and launched the A. Harry Moore School Life
Independence and Future Transitions (LIFT) program at NJCU’s Grossnickle
Hall on October 30 during a grand-opening ribbon-cutting ceremony on the
NJCU campus.
The fully renovated 12,326 square-foot space encompassing the LIFT program
is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, featuring five specialty rooms,
including a culinary arts room and a consumer and family science room, where
students can practice real-life and independent living skills. Additionally, it
provides adaptive physical education, career technical education, a school
store where the program’s students will work to gain practical skills, and
community-based instruction opportunities in Jersey City and on the NJCU
campus.
Kudos to MA alumni, Ed.D. student (Cohort 12) and A. Harry Moore Principal
Jason Jusino who was the leader of this initiative.
16 2024 Year in Review

TECHNOLOGY AND
EDUCATIONAL
JUSTICE
JUVENILE
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Melissa Welz (Ed.D student in Cohort 10) was
honored and awarded “Teacher of the Year”
with a certificate and medal from North
Bergen Post 2648 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The ceremony recognized her substantial
contributions to the students of the North
Bergen School District. They first discovered
her when they came to see the musical,
“Fame” at North Bergen High School
(Summer of 2012) which she co-directed.
They then viewed the Franklin School viral
virtual choir video, “Every Teardrop is a
Waterfall.” This was a video made when her
school was in lockdown during the COVID 19
pandemic. Since then, they have been
observing her teaching throughout the years.
Thank you for acknowledging her
contributions to education over the years.
Chassidy Williams of Cohort 11,
an Educational Technology
Specialist at Harris County
Juvenile Probation in Houston
Texas, shared her work at the
National Partnership for Juvenile
Services’ Technology Forum.
Her presentation was
“Developing Your
Implementation Plan: Leading
with Yes.”
She shared inspiring ways technology is being used in educational spaces in
juvenile justice facilities. These best practices for implementation include asking
the right questions of potential programs and creating successful training plans
for all involved. The overall focus was to shift agency mentality towards
technology implementation and eliminating the obstacles to lead with yes!
2024 Year in Review 17

FRONTIER OF TECHNOLOGY AND
THE
ACCESS
VISITORS FROM ACROSS THE
ALUMNI
GLOBE
Dr. Katie Nieves Licwinko (Cohort 7) is at the
frontier of technology and access. This year she
presented at her sixth International Society for
Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference. She
gave two presentations. In “Artificial Intelligence
and UDL” participants learned ways to leverage
AI tools within the Universal Design for Learning
framework. In “Designing Engaging, Self-Paced
E-learning Courses for Continued Professional
Learning” participants learned how to design a
self-paced course, reviewed examples and walk
through the steps of designing a course to be
used in their school or district. Dr. Nieves also led
the ISTE webinar “AI in Special Education: A
Conversation”
Dr. Nieves Licwinko is the Director of Technology
at Chester Public Schools, a thought leader and
scholar on Educational Technology and inclusion,
and the creator and producer of the popular
podcast Assembling Inclusion.
In February we were honored to host a
delegation of our graduates from Jilin
International Studies University. In 2023 twelve
faculty members from Jilin graduated with their
doctorates in Educational Technology
Leadership. In February we met with alumni
and Jilin administrators to reminisce and to
discuss future collaborations.
18
2024 Year in Review

WOMEN OF NEW JERSEY
EXECUTIVE
SCHOLARSHIP
NEURODIVERSITY ADVOCACY
Congratulations to Dr. Kerry Magro
(Cohort 6) on the success of his
latest book Santa Goes the Extra
Mile for Children with Disabilities,
which has been getting rave reviews.
Dr. Magro is the bestselling author of
numerous books on Autism, an
award-winning professional speaker,
and an entertainment consultant
who has worked on projects such as
Love on the Spectrum and Joyful
Noise. Dr. Magro is also the founder
of the nonprofit organization KFM
Making a Difference, an organization
focused on disability housing and
autism awareness. Today, this
organization gives out scholarships
for adults with autism to attend
college.
Congratulations to doctoral student
Patricia Dennis (Cohort 11) for earning a
2024 scholarship from the Executive
Women of New Jersey. Patricia is an MA
alumni and a media specialist at Forrest
Street School in Orange, NJ. The award
recognizes Patricia’s academic and
leadership potential. Executive Women of
New Jersey is an organizing dedicated to
getting “exceptional women in the
executive offices and on boards of every
New Jersey Company.”
2024 Year in Review
19

TRAILBLAZERS
In December 2023 Dr. October
Hudley earned the NJCU Educational
Technology Trailblazer Award. Dr.
Hudley is an Irvington Educator with
over 35 years of experience. She has
been the Council Member At Large in
Irvington since 2014, continually
winning the votes and trust of the
citizens of Irvington, including a
landslide victory in 2024. She has
earned national recognition for her
work with the National Action
Network as well as her leadership in
Irvington during the Covid Pandemic.
She also earned the Distinguished
Women’s award for service to the
community for Women’s Month,
awarded by DJ Flash of the House
Music Community. She is a
multifaceted leader.
In December 2024 Remberto "Rem"
Jimenez was awarded the Trailblazer
Award. Rem is an adjunct instructor at
New Jersey City University's
Department of Educational
Technology. He is also the Director of
Learning and Development for Clear
Channel Outdoor.
Rem's area of focus has been on
educational technologies,
synchronous and asynchronous
learning, active learning strategies for
distance learning, and workplace
learning. He served as the co-editor of
Current Trends in Cybersecurity and
Educational Technology (2023) and
recently co-authored the article
"Utilizing Virtual Communities in
Professional Practice."
20 2024 Year in Review

EARNING NATIONAL
STUDENT
RECOGNITION
Congratulations Douglass Bailey (student in Cohort 12 and Ed Tech MA
alum). Douglass was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) Honor Society in
Education. KDP recognizes the top twenty percent of education graduates
globally.
Douglass was highlighted by the KDP in their
national media campaign for the work he does
at NJCU. He is a passionate educator and
entertainer with over 20 years of experience.
Doug was a GED Instructor, YouthCorps
Counselor, and currently an Academic Advisor
for STEM programs at NJCU. He started a
podcast titled Co-BETE (Community
Broadcasting Education, Technology and
Entertainment) and runs a Facebook page
“Doctoral Road with D.Bail” with the goal to
motivate and inspire people of all ages and all
walks of life. KDP recognized Doug’s impact
both in and out of the classroom.
ENTERING LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
STUDENT
Congratulations to doctoral student
Jacqueline Zamora (Cohort 11) who was
accepted to the Jersey City Public Schools
District’s Administrators Academy! She will
be participating as part of a cohort of 25
from a competitive pool of over 60
candidates.
As part of the program, she will participate
in monthly leadership meetings at the Board
of Education and will receive mentorship
from leading school administrators. The
mentorship includes participating in the
school leadership committee and gaining
hands-on experience.
Jacqueline is currently a Learning
Disabilities Teacher-Consultant for the
Jersey City School System.
24
2024 Year in Review

IN CAREER READINESS IN HIGHER
LEADING
REFORM
EDUCATION
Congratulations to Dr. La-Dana Jenkins of
Cohort 8. She has been named a CUNY
Career Success Fellow for 2024-2025! She
is only one of three faculty representing
the Borough of Manhattan Community
College. Dr. Jenkins is a fulltime lecturer at
the Borough of Manhattan Community
College within the Accounting and
Experiential Learning Departments.
In the CUNY Career Success Fellowship
program Dr. Jenkins will be working with
faculty across the City University of New
York to develop creative and purposeful
career readiness pedagogical practices
and initiatives for the entire CUNY system.
This work extended and incorporated the
work from her dissertation. Kudos La-Dana!
TRUNK OR TREAT
The Educational Technology Department was honored to celebrate A. Harry
Moore’s “Trunk or Treat” Halloween tradition on the NJCU campus. Faculty
members distributed a variety of treats to the A. Harry Moore students. We are
honored to have many alumni and students in the A. Harry Moore faculty and
administration.
2024 Year in Review
25

DISCUSSION ON AI IN EDUCATION LED
PANEL
ED TECH STUDENTS AND ALUM
BY
EXPANDING GAMING AMONG FEMALES
Doctoral student Patricia Dennis (Cohort 11)
is breaking boundaries in the field of gaming.
The gaming field as recreation, an industry,
and academic focus has been historically
dominated by men, but Patricia is working to
change that and her efforts are getting
recognized nationally. Patricia an educator
and influencer focused on games in
education.
She was named an ambassador for “The
Game Hers,” an organization dedicated to the
inclusion and leadership of females in
gaming.
The Department hosted a panel
discussion exploring aspects of STEAM
(Science, Technology Education, Arts,
and Math) and Maker Education. The
participants were Dr. Atiba Buckman, Dr.
Kristina Harb, Dr. Samantha Kozar, and
Michael Vargas.
This engaging online webinar explored
how EM (Engineering & Mathematics),
STEAM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), and
Maker Education can inspire the next
generation of innovators. Educators and
professionals gathered virtually to discuss
best practices for integrating these
approaches into modern learning
environments.
Through expert presentations, case studies, and interactive discussions, participants
gained insights into how creative, cross-disciplinary education fosters problemsolving,
critical thinking, and innovation. The session highlighted effective digital
tools, strategies for remote and in-person instruction, and real-world examples of
successful EM/STEAM/Maker programs. Attendees left with valuable resources and
fresh ideas to implement in their own classrooms or learning spaces.
26
2024 Year in Review

INTERSECTIONALITY WITH
UNDERSTANDING
BUNNY
BAD
Kudos to Dr. Ericka Collado (Cohort 2) for her contribution to the book The Bad
Bunny Enigma. Dr. Collado contributed the chapter “Andrea: Intersectional
Struggles of the Puerto Rican Women Revealed” which uses the Bad Bunny song
“Andrea” as a springboard to discuss the intersectional challenges of Latinas. The
book offers the first comprehensive analysis of Bad Bunny’s impact on music,
culture, and politics. Dr. Collado’s work as an educator, writer, and activist is
marked by her bold vision and originality and has spanned genres from academic
publications to Bomba drumming.
LEVERAGING AI IN EDUCATION
Congratulations to Dr. Dana Mason and Dr.
Douglas Koch for their presentation
“Leveraging AI in Education: Strategies and
Solutions for the Digital Era.” Dana is an MA
and Ed.D. alumni and a faculty member in
the NJCU Educational Technology
Department. Doug is Associate Director of
Teaching and Learning at the Philadelphia
College of Osteopathic Medicine and the
President of the North Eastern Digital
Learning Association (NELDA). Their
presentation focused on ways to go beyond
‘responding’ to AI and focused on ways to
thoughtfully and effectively use AI to
reconceptualize teaching and learning.
28
2024 Year in Review

INTERNATIONAL
ON MIXED
EXPERT
LEARNING
SOCIAL
AND
THEORY
METHODS
SPEAKS
RESEARCH
EDUCATIONAL
TECHNOLOGY
DOCTORAL
TO
CANDIDATES
In April 2024 we hosted Dr. John W.
Cresswell spoke to our students and
faculty in the Ed.D. program. Dr.
Creswell is a Senior Research Scientist
at the Michigan Mixed Methods
Program. He has authored numerous
articles and 28 books on mixed
methods research, qualitative
research, and research design. While
at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
he held the Clifton Endowed Professor
Chair, served as Director of the Mixed
Methods Research Office, and
founded SAGE’s Journal of Mixed
Methods Research. Dr. Cresswell
introduced students to his new ideas
on meta-inferences and brainstormed
different approaches with student on
their research.
In May 2024 the Ed.D. students
participated in a conversation with
Etienne Wenger, one of the world's
leading experts on social learning and
the creator of the theory of
Community of Practice. Dr. Wenger
shared his current research on
landscapes of learning, expanded on
the theories of his books (which are
required reading in the program), and
gave feedback to students on their
research projects and dissertations.
2024 Year in Review
29

ALUM ELECTED COMMISSIONER
DOCTORAL
PLAINFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION
OF
Kudos to Dr. Lamar Harris (Cohort 9) for his election to the Plainfield School
Board. Dr. Harris led the field with the most votes in a high-turnout race. On
election night Dr. Harris said:
“Tonight is not about me. I really just want to thank the City of Plainfield for
giving me the opportunity to serve in a different capacity. If you know
anything about me, next to my care for people—especially my compassion for
youth—is my work ethic.”
Dr. Harris is a lifelong Plainfield resident, former Plainfield public school educator,
and city athletics coach. He is also the founder and president of Circle Learning
Group, a nonprofit organization focused on bringing STEM education to urban
and low-income communities.
30
2024 Year in Review

HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF MEN OF COLOR
In November 2024 the Maven Health Community hosted a grassroots event
focused on empowering men of color to prioritize their health and wellbeing. This
impactful gathering brought together healthcare providers, mental health
professionals, educators, and community members to facilitate meaningful
connections and access to vital resources.
Dr. Dowayne Davis (Cohort 3) was an invited speaker. Dr. Davis spoke about
promoting social-emotional health for young people. He emphasized the
importance of supportive relationships, emotional intelligence, and traumainformed
practices. He also explored the essential role that employers and
organizations play in promoting mental health and wellbeing among their
employees. This includes creating a culture of openness, using human-centered
practices and the four Cs to success (competence, confidence, compassion and
commitment).
This event was a powerful step towards addressing the unique health, well-being,
psychological challenges faced by men of color. By providing a safe space for
connection, education, and empowerment, this event helped pave the way for a
healthier and more resilient community.
2024 Year in Review
31

IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN
LEADING
JERSEY
NEW
Congratulations to Dr. Phil
Crisostomo (Cohort 7), who took
over as the principal of the
Assunpink Center at Mercer
County Technical Schools
(MCTS). In this new position he
will oversee a variety of careerbased
programs, including
Carpentry, HVAC-R, Electrical,
Welding, Computer Game Design,
and Pre-Nursing, along with their
4-year Health Sciences Academy.
At MCTS Dr. Crisostomo will be
part of a district initiative to
explore additional programs as
well as work with teachers on
infusing new technologies into
their instruction. Best of luck in
your new role!
SUCCESS IN NEWARK
Kudos to Dr. Atiba Buckman (Cohort 9) for her nationally recognized work as the
principal of Malcolm X Shabaz High School in Newark. Her leadership has
significantly increased the school’s enrollment. Moreover, graduation rates rose
from 58% to 70%, and there was a dramatic increase in students heading to
college. Dr. Buckman’s success was featured on ABC 7 News in December.
32
2024 Year in Review

RESPONSIVE TEACHING IN
CULTURALLY
PRACTICE
Dr. Juan Rodriguez (Cohort 9), a cybersecurity professor at Westchester
Community College shared the results of his research project that looks at
culturally responsive instructional practices in STEM courses. In a Mentor-
Connect Webinar Dr. Rodriguez shared what he found to be the most effective
strategies. These strategies related to logistical support, individual
acknowledgement, personal connections, opening up, staying the course, and a
reconsideration of office hours.
Dr. Rodriguez is building on this research to develop a culturally responsive
professional development model that he will share with 14 community colleges in
the State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York
(CUNY) systems.
For Dr. Rodriguez, culturally responsive teaching is an effective way to build
rapport with students that facilitates learning and helps students — particularly
Latinx and first-generation college students — persist in courses and in their
pursuit of academic credentials.
You can read more about his work here:
https://www.ccdaily.com/2024/06/how-to-connect-better-with-students/
2024 Year in Review
33

POSITION AT THE
NEW
FOR FAMILIES
INSTITUTE
AI IN THE PRACTICE OF TEACHING
Dr. Stephanie Pedborde Burke (Cohort 5) presented at the New York State Association
of Computers and Technologies in Education Conference on “Embracing an AI State
of Mind: Tools That Shine.” The session was designed to empower educators with the
latest tools to integrate artificial intelligence into their teaching practices. Participants
delved into practical AI applications that enhance student engagement, address
diverse student needs, and support lesson planning, ultimately freeing up valuable
time for more impactful teaching. She explored the newest and most innovative tools
available, ensuring that participants stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving
field. Dr. Pedborde is an Instructional Innovation Coach in the Irvington NY school
system.
Dr. Yelena Lyudmilova (Cohort 1) started a new
position as a Senior Manager at the Rutgers
Institute for Families. Yelena is a passionate
and experienced leader in the field of
educational technology, with over 10 years of
working in higher education. Yelena has a
strong academic background and research
interests in the ethical, legal, and security
issues pertaining to the use of non-institutional
and open-source resources in education. The
Institute for Families advances the professional
practice and knowledge base of individuals
and organizations creating brighter futures for
children, youth, and their caregivers.
34
2024 Year in Review

LEADER ON GAMES IN
INTERNATIONAL
PUBLISHES NEW BOOK
EDUCATION
Dr. Mathew Farber (Cohort 1), an Associate Professor of
Educational Technology at the University of Northern
Colorado has published his sixth book—Roll for Learning.
This book is a collection of original micro tabletop roleplaying
games (TTRPGs). Micro TTRPGs have grown in
popularity in recent years and offer great potential for
classroom use, as these games are intended to be easy to
learn and quick to play. This book brings together scholars
and instructors working on TTRPGs and game designers
with an interest in education
Dr. Farber has worked with UNESCO’s Mahatma Gandhi
Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable
Development (MGIEP), iThrive Games, and Games for
Change. He was a contributing writer for Origin 101, the
official learning companion for Ava DuVernay’s critically
acclaimed film Origin.
Dr. Farber also currently writes for Edutopia, has been
invited to the White House and to keynote for UNESCO.
He has been interviewed by NPR, The Washington Post,
EdSurge, The Denver Post, Fast Company, USA Today,
and The Wall Street Journal.
In 2024 he was a featured speaker at the Indian Game
Developer Conference in Hyderabad, India and the
Keynote Speaker at the Teacher Summit in Stana,
Kazakhstan.
2024 Year in Review
35

FALL WEBINAR SERIES
The Fall 2024 Webinar Series was a rousing success with over 1100 participants.
This year's theme was Artificial Intelligence Applications in Education. Kudos to
the students in the Educational Technology Leadership Doctoral Program who
ran the program. This series covered a wide range of aspects of AI in education.
36
2024 Year in Review

CULTURAL SENSITIVITY AND
ENHANCING
IN CLASSROOMS WITH AI
INCLUSION
FALL
HIMANI NIGAM
This presentation explored the transformative
power of AI in promoting cultural sensitivity and
inclusion in educational settings. As classrooms
become increasingly diverse, fostering an
environment where all students feel valued and
understood is essential for effective learning. The
presentation defined cultural sensitivity and
inclusion and why it is important. It outlined how AI
can address these needs through personalized
learning experiences, bias detection in teaching
methods, and inclusive curriculum development. AI
tools that can break down language barriers and
provide engagement among students of various
backgrounds were examined. The presentation also
provided educators with insights and actionable
strategies to leverage the power of AI to create
inclusive and culturally responsive environments.
Himani Nigam is a committed science teacher pursuing her Ed.D. in
Educational Technology Leadership at NJCU (Cohort 11). Originally from
India, she has lived in the United States for 20 years, contributing a unique
perspective to the classroom. She specializes in elementary and middle
school science and is dedicated to integrating diverse cultural contexts into
the curriculum to enhance student understanding. As an advocate for cultural
sensitivity, she actively ensures that all students feel valued and represented.
2024 Year in Review 39

FALL
JANET GEORGE
AI AND MATH CAN SHAPE THE FUTURE
This worked reviewed the broad range of AI applications in math. In high school
mathematics, Artificial Intelligence can transform how students interact with
mathematical concepts and approach problem-solving. AI-driven tools provide
personalized learning experiences, adapting to individual needs and skill levels.
Automated tutoring systems offer instant feedback and step-by-step solutions,
helping students understand complex topics more quickly. AI also enables
students to visualize abstract concepts, explore advanced problem-solving
methods, and interact with real-world data, making math more engaging and
accessible. This workshop covered both the student and teacher experience with
AI and math.
Janet George is a high school math
teacher in Jersey City. She earned her
master’s in mathematics from NJCU.
She has been in the district for 12 years
and has taught Algebra I, geometry,
and Algebra II. She has taught in both
inclusion settings and general
educational classes. She works
collaboratively with her inclusion
teacher to help general education
students and students with special
needs. She has presented to different
educators in and out of her school
district on math, technology, and
inclusion.
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2024 Year in Review

HOODING AND MASTERS
DOCTORAL
CEREMONY
CORDING
In May we celebrated the graduation of 21 Master’s students and 14 Doctoral
students. The MA graduates were celebrated with an honors cord, and the Ed.D.
graduates were hooded by their dissertation chairperson.
Our MA graduates were:
Master of Arts in Educational Technology
Geraldine Batelli
Sophie Rose Baumann
Arianna Bianciella
Brianne M. Castelluccio
Charles E. Dunn
Gina Elizabeth Flashenberg
Denise Lynn Gangaware
Amanda Johnson Hughes
Donna Marie Latin
Tiffany Loveland
Samantha Melworm
Sakhi Rajesh Patel
Erin Marie Smith
MA with School Library Certification
Elysia R. Altiero
Kelly Lynn Reed Brenner
Alicia Mcadams
Madlilyn Kayli Palmer
Megan Antonelli Pangburn
Leticia Maureen Romero
Patricia Sierra
Synthia M. Cuello
Judith Presentation
Kerry Santa Book
2024 Year in Review
43

Ed.D. in Community College Leadership
Dr. Kathlyn Battle - A Case Study of Mental
Health First Aid Training at Community
Colleges in New Jersey, Ed.D. in
Community College Leadership
Dr. Yolanda Blue - Preparing Students with
Individual Education Programs to
Transition to Community College, Ed.D. in
Community College Leadership
Dr. Kim Chapman - The Guided Pathways
Framework: Evaluating the Impact of a
First-Year Experience College Success
Course on Student Retention Rates, Ed.D.
in Community College Leadership
Dr. Nancy Nemorin - Successes and
Challenges of Students in Asynchronous
Online Courses at Community College,
Ed.D. in Community College Leadership
Dr. John Rundfeldt - Improving Mental
Health Literacy at an Urban Community
College: Studying the Impact of an
Intervention in First-Year Experience
Courses, Ed.D. in Community College
Leadership
Dr. Derek Ware - Marketing AI Education
to Underrepresented Groups, Ed.D. in
Community College Leadership
2024 Year in Review 45

SUMMER INSTITUTE 2024
July 22nd-26th brought the 12th Doctoral
Summer Institute to the NJCU Campus.
It was five full days of hard fun, setting
standards, laughter, sweat, and a tear of joy
or two.
The Summer Institute started off with the
VIP treatment at Red Bulls Arena and the
excitement increased from there. On each
day there were classes, guest speakers,
tours, and peer-to-peer learning
experiences.
Cohort 10 defended their dissertation
proposals and presented their portfolios.
Cohort 11 took their comprehensive exams.
Cohort 12 was welcomed into the
community.
It was a great week of learning and
connecting to both familiar and new friends
and across cohorts from 1-12.
46 2024 Year in Review

2024 Year in Review 47

2) Unrivaled Support for Your
Dissertation
Your dissertation is the signature
achievement of your doctoral education,
and in our program every member of
your committee is dedicated to your
success. The chair and other committee
members are experts in their respective
fields and have been selected so you can
do your best work. Every member of
your committee promises to give you
feedback on the chapters and drafts of
your work within two weeks. Moreover, a
member of your committee will never
take a sabbatical during your
dissertation. We also provide online
tutoring for your writing and assistance
from a professional proofreader for your
final draft at no additional cost to you. If
you are not sure how rare or important
these commitments are, talk to doctoral
students from other universities. The lack
of support during the dissertation is a
recurring problem in doctoral studies.
We are dedicated to developing your
talents and professional interests during
your dissertation.
3) Fidelity to Our Mission
Our program gives our students a
focused and comprehensive doctoral
education. Many other universities
assemble doctoral programs from
existing courses under the umbrella of
being ‘interdisciplinary’. These other
programs can be disjointed and
inconsistent with poor policy
implementation and confusing
communication to students. Our
program was developed by faculty with
expertise in the field of educational
technology leadership and is taught,
coordinated, and supervised by that
same team.
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2024 Year in Review

4) Value for your Tuition
We are one of the least expensive
doctoral programs in the region, and we
are transparent about our fees. Look at
the pricing of other programs, and it
would be difficult to find many that are
less expensive. We have no hidden fees
and your tuition is guaranteed to stay the
same for the three years of the program.
You are set with the price you started
with, so you can budget accordingly.
We are honored that our students have
chosen to trust us with their education,
and we put that responsibility at the
forefront of our work.
In 2017 The College Affordability Guide
rated our department #1 in Instructional
Technology Programs. The ranking
formula did not simply measure cost; it
included measurements in "Institutional
Fit", "Getting In", and "Getting Out". We
are honored to be recognized for
providing a quality and affordable
education in this cutting edge field.
5) Proven Record
We have had amazing, diverse cohorts
of doctoral students. They have rich and
life-changing experience while they are
here, and 71% of our students have
graduated in three years, and 79% have
graduated overall. Our students have
gone on to a myriad of successful career
paths. Several have published books and
articles based on their work at NJCU.
Some have started careers as tenure
track faculty, and many have augmented
their current work with part-time faculty
positions. Our students have gone on to
become K-12 leaders, deans, and leading
administrators at libraries and statewide
programs.
2024 Year in Review
51