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Category: Research, Measurement & Evaluation Methods

NAECR Knowledge event highlights AI potential in early childhood research

The March 13 NAECR Knowledge event focused on strategies, tools and best practices for incorporating artificial intelligence into early childhood research.

How can early childhood researchers incorporate artificial intelligence into their work?

Early childhood researchers discussed strategies, tools and best practices for incorporating AI into their work during the spring NAECR Knowledge event March 13.

Mel Sedlacek, office associate with the Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies, and IDEA campus coordinator, led the virtual presentation for 21 attendees representing all four University of Nebraska campuses and the Buffett Early Childhood Institute. Full Article

Researchers using brain-connected technology to enhance life for children with speech and physical impairments

Kevin Pitt, assistant professor of special education and communication disorders, is leading a five-year project that uses brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to facilitate better communication for children with severe speech and physical impairments. Learn more about this study in the CYFS Research Network.

Approximately 97 million people worldwide have disabilities that require alternative communication (AAC) devices for communication support. However, many disabled children do not possess the motor abilities and spelling skills needed to use such devices, leaving them marginalized and unable to benefit from this technology. Full Article

MAP Academy helps researchers see big picture of rural adolescent nutrition insecurity

Extension educator Natalie Sehi is leading a team of researchers focused on adolescent nutrition insecurity.

Making sure rural youth have enough to eat is important for both their health and education. Attending school with an empty stomach affects a student’s ability to focus and learn, making proper nutrition essential for academic success.

Nebraska Extension educators Beth Nacke and Natalie Sehi are leading research focused on adolescent nutrition insecurity. They recently worked with the MAP Academy to create a database to analyze the nutritional and economic impact of Nebraska Extension’s statewide Monthly Meal Kit program. Full Article

Brain-connected technology opening doors for children with severe speech, physical impairments

Kevin Pitt, assistant professor of special education and communication disorders, is leading a three-year project that uses brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to facilitate better communication for people with severe speech and physical impairments. Learn more in the CYFS Research Network.

Imagine being locked inside your own body, isolated and struggling to meaningfully connect and communicate with those around you.

Now imagine trying to cope with such isolation as a child.

For children with severe speech and physical impairments (SSPI), the lack of reliable communication methods has devastating impacts on their quality of life, well-being, medical care and social interactions. Full Article

Video available for MAP Academy presentation featuring Carrie Clark, Amanda Prokasky

From left, Amanda Prokasky, MAP Academy senior research specialist, and Carrie Clark, associate professor of educational psychology, answer questions about wearable technology during the Fall 2023 Methodology Applications Series presentation at the Nebraska Union Dec. 8.

Carrie Clark, associate professor of educational psychology, and Amanda Prokasky, senior research specialist at the MAP Academy, led the final presentation of the Fall 2023 Methodology Applications Series Dec. 8.

Video is now available of Clark and Prokasky’s presentation, “Capturing Life in Motion: Leveraging Wearable Technology for Human Subjects Research.” Full Article

Creating, maintaining research partnerships focus of NAECR Knowledge event

Creating and maintaining solid research partnerships is crucial to advancing quality education for children.

Establishing and sustaining productive research partnerships is critical for early childhood researchers, but these can sometimes be difficult to create.

A panel of University of Nebraska early childhood researchers and community partners from across Nebraska led a virtual discussion Nov. 17 about the importance of creating and maintaining research partnerships in the first NAECR Knowledge event of the fall. Full Article

Video available for MAP Academy presentation featuring Kristy Feden

Kristy Feden, senior director of special services for the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, School District, led the second presentation of the Fall 2022 Methodology Applications Series Nov. 11.

Video is now available of Feden’s virtual presentation, “Lessons from the Field: What it Really Takes to Move from Research to Practice in a Large Urban School District.” Full Article