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Research Agenda & Publications

Now that technology has dawned into a new age of ubiquitous computing, technology planning must take into consideration the following questions. Are we truly getting the most out of the computer technology in education and its integration into the curriculum? How do the hiccups in the operation of hardware and software not under the control of the educator affect his or her current use, future use, frustration levels, and formal evaluations? what about the computing needs of the special needs learner? These are just a few of the questions I deliberate on as I try to improve my practice.

The application of research to the field of education continually sustains and enhances the development of the educational practicioner. As a member of acadmeia, it is a duty and a pleasure to conduct research, which can then be applied to both our own practices and professional growth. I strive to use my research to conintually improve my teaching ability, so that I serve as a role model for my students. Reflective decision-making is a fundemental component of applied research practice and delineates excellent teacher educators from all others.

During the past several years at the University of Central Arkansas, I have had the opportunity to begin research alone and collaboratively with other colleagues. My research agenda targets the integration of technology into teaching and learning. Specifically, stressing the use and access of media and information resources for diverse populations. To date I have conducted, published, and presented research in three areas:

  • Technology Integration and Leadership,
  • Access to information and literature for diverse student populations, and
  • Self-censorship practices of educators.

Refereed Journal Articles

Whittingham, J., & Rickman, W. (2006). Controversial books in the middle school:  Can they make a difference? Middle School Journal.

Huffman, S., & Rickman, W. (2004). Keep it SIMPLE:  Technology planning strategy. Educational Technology Magazine.

 
Book Chapters

Wilmes, B., Huffman, S., & Rickman, W. (2007). Transitioning from a traditional classroom to the online environment: the SIMPLE model. Online Instructional Modeling:  Theories and Practices.

Huffman, S., Thurman, G., Charter, J., & Rickman, W. (2005). E-learning best practices:  Strategies and tips for the online instructor. Educational Media and Technology Yearbook, 30, 75-80. (Invited publication by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology.)
Proceedings

Huffman, S., & Rickman, W. (2003). Keep it SIMPLE:  Technology planning strategy. Proceedings of the 14th International Conference of the Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education (CD). Albuquerque, NM.

Presentations (International, National, Regional, & State)

Linn-Miller, B., Huffman, S., & Rickman, W. (2007, November). So I am supposed to integrate technology into my teaching? A study of current practices by K-12 teachers of technology integration. Brief paper presentation at the Southeastern Regional Association of Teacher Educators Annual Conference, St. Louis, MO.

Rickman, W., & Huffman, S. (2007, November). Self-censorship: An investigation of school library media center specialists. Roundtable presentation at the Southeastern Regional Association of Teacher Educators Annual Conference, St. Louis, MO.

Rickman, W., & Huffman, S. (2007, September). Are you Attila the Hun? or Napoleon Bonaparte? Presentation at the Arkansas Library Association Conference, Hot Springs, AR.

Rickman, W. (2007, April). The relevence of educational technology centers in teacher education programs. Presentation at the Arkansas Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Spring Conference, Russellville, AR.

Rickman, W., & Whittingham, J. (2006. November). Controversial books in the Middle School: Can they make a difference? Poster presentation at the Southeastern Regional Association of Teacher Educators Annual Conference, Baltimore, MD.

Whittingham, J., & Rickman, W. (2006, November). Self-censorship of controversial books. Panel discussion at the National Council of Teachers of English Fall Conference, Nashville, TN.

Whittingham, J., & Rickman, W. (2005, November). Homosexual characters and themes in contemporary young adult literature. Panel discussion at the National Council of Teachers of English Fall Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.

Rickman, W. (2004, October). Streamlining the repair and maintenance of computer technology. Poster presentation at the Southeastern Regional Association of Teacher Educators Annual Conference, Orlando, FL.

Rickman, W., & Huffman, S. (2004, April). Streamlining computer repair and maintenance. Presentation at the Arkansas Association of Instructional Media Annual Conference, Little Rock, AR.

Thurman, G., Charter, J., Huffman, S., & Rickman, W. (2003, October). E-learning strategies for graduate distance education programs: Preparing school library media specialists. Presentation at the American Association of School Librarians Fall Conference, Kansas City, MO. (Colleagues, Dr. Glenda Thurman & Dr. Jody Charter, presented in my absence for this conference).

Huffman, S., & Rickman, W. (2003, March). Keep it SIMPLE: Technology planning strategy. Brief paper presentation at the International Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education Conference, Albuquerque, NM.

Huffman, S., Rickman, W., Charter, J., Thruman, G., McKinney, T., & Thomason, A. (2002, November). Technology: Meeting the needs of faculty and students. Panel discussion at the Southeastern Regional Association of Teacher Educators Annual Conference, Hot Springs, AR.

Huffman, S., & Rickman, W. (2002, April). Lotus screen cam. Presentation at the Arkansas Association of Instructional Media Annual Conference, Little Rock, AR.

Grants
Rickman, W. (2003, March). SMARTer kids grant for SMART products. SMARTer Kids Foundation. Award:  $600.00 from March 2003 to June 2003.