Research Matters

Episode 12: Are We Saying the Same Thing About AI That We Said About Google?

Education has undergone many transformations over the years as new technology has been developed. When calculators first hit the market, many teachers considered using them as cheating. The same concerns were raised about Google. Today, many of us don't even blink at the thought of either. With conversations around AI sounding very similar, how will teachers adapt to this new, rapidly developing tool? In this episode of Research Matters, we’re talking about the integration of AI into the classroom, how it can be applied wisely, and how we can better prepare teachers for this new frontier. Dr. William Wright from the Bagwell College of Education at Kennesaw State University joins us to talk about his work in instructional technology, along with North Cobb High School teacher Alex Fahey, who is experiencing the shift firsthand.

Episode 11: Is There More to Measuring Addiction Recovery Than Abstinence?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 1 in 6 Americans struggles with some form of addiction, whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances, but of these Americans, only around 12% report themselves to be in recovery. In this episode of Research Matters, we’re exploring what isn’t working in addiction recovery science and why it isn’t working with Dr. Erica Holliday, a KSU researcher from the Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Joining Erica is her husband, Garrett Guy, a handyman in recovery, who, with Erica’s help, grew to understand addiction and eventually break his own cycle. Erica's work places her at a unique crossroads where she not only examines the biological side of addiction, but the psychological side as well. She is hoping to shift recovery science away from the "once an addict, always an addict" mindset and rework rehabilitation to be more attainable.

Episode 10: What if Kids Saw Music Through Rose-Colored Glasses?

Large class sizes make it difficult for music teachers to give individualized attention to each student, which can be detrimental, especially for students with special needs. In this episode of Research Matters, we’re discussing SpectrumPlay, an online platform that uses color-coded sheet music to simplify music education and make it more accessible for all children. Elementary music classes boost early brain development, allowing students to deepen their creativity, improve their critical thinking skills, and strengthen their memory. With SpectrumPlay, students can work at their own pace with digital support, easing the demand on teachers and maximizing the class time spent with students’ hands-on instruments. Dr. Tiffany Roman and Erin Collins join us to talk about their platform, how it came to be, and the impact it’s having on students across Georgia.

Episode 9: Can Virtual Reality Prepare Nurses for Dementia Care?

Nurses today are expected to know more than ever before, but do their educations prepare them for what they will actually face on the job? In this episode of Research Matters, we’re exploring what virtual reality has to offer nursing education, particularly in training nurses how to deliver effective dementia care to patients experiencing behavioral symptoms. KSU researchers have developed and are improving a gamified, virtual reality training for nursing students that allows them to experience simulations of realistic clinical scenarios they may face, then learn how respond to them in a controlled environment. Dr. Modupe Akintomide, Dr. Joy Li, and Faith Smith join us to discuss how they brought healthcare and computer science together to achieve this innovative solution.

Episode 8: How KSU is Easing the Strain on Nurses Using Virtual Care with Dr. Sweta Sneha and Susan Thurman

Across the healthcare system, nurses today are spread thin, managing high patient loads, complex care needs, and constant documentation without the proper support or staffing. In this episode of Research Matters, we’re discussing an innovative response to that challenge: a virtual nurse aide. With the help of Wellstar Health System, KSU researchers have implemented the virtual aid in several hospitals in Georgia. This virtual aid utilizes digital technology to monitor patients remotely and provide guidance for follow-up care, improving both outcomes and patient experience. Sweta Sneha joins us to talk about this project, how it works, and the impact they’ve seen so far along with Susan Thurman, the VP of patient services and Chief Nursing Officer at Wellstar Health System.