Dr. Lauren Cifuentes’ primary research interests are in administration of distance education and design of effective online instruction, including design considerations for collaborative environments. With NSF funding she investigates the relative contributions of instructors, peer-interaction, case-based experiences, and scaffolds in online learning environments.
Academic BackgroundPh.D., Curriculum and Instruction/Design, 1991, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.
M.A., Educational Media and Instructional Design, 1986, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.
M.A.T., English, 1978, Duke University, Durham, NC.
B.A., English, 1974, University of California, Berkeley, CA.
Selected Works
Cifuentes, L., & Janney, A. (2017). Protecting students’ integrity and reducing academic dishonesty in online learning. Distance Learning for Educators, Trainers, and Leaders. 13(4), 9-15.
Cifuentes, L., Janney, A., Guerra, L., & Weir, J. (2016). A working model for complying with accessibility guidelines for online learning in a regional university with limited resources. TechTrends. 60(6), 557-564. DOE 10.1007/s11528-016-0086-8
Prozesky, K., & Cifuentes, L. (May 2014). The Montessori approach to integrating technology. Problemy Wczesnej Edukacji / Issues in Early Education., Krakow, Poland.
Merchant, Z., Goetz, E. T., Cifuentes, L., Keeney-Kennicutt, W., & Davis, T. J. (2014). Effectiveness of virtual reality-based instruction on students’ learning outcomes in K-12 and higher education: A meta-analysis. Computers & Education, 70, 29-40.
Cifuentes, L., Merchant, Z., & Vural, O. (2011). Web 2.0 technologies forge the way for global citizenship. Mustafa Kemal University Journal of Social Science Institute. 8(15), 295-312.
Cifuentes, L., Alvarez-Xochihua, O., Edwards, J. C. (2011). Learning in Web 2.0 environments: Surface learning and chaos or deep learning and self-regulation? The Quarterly Review of Distance Education. 12(1). 1-21.
Cifuentes, L., Maxwell, G., Bulu, S. (2011). Technology integration through learning community. Journal of Research on Technology in Education. 44(1), 59-82.
Cifuentes, L. & Bridges, D. (Sept., 2016). Texas Affordable Baccalaureate Expansion Grant Program; Competency-Based Education degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. $170,000.
Cifuentes, L. (Oct. 2012). National Science Foundation Award 1237879: Collaborative Research: Genomics & Society – Exploring Ethics, Impacts and Consequences of Technological Advances. Award amount $108,909; period: Start and end dates: Oct. 2012- Sept. 2015. 6% effort per year.
Bettati, R., Cifuentes, L., & Marti, W. (2010). Enhancement of the Web Access Exercise System for Network Engineering. Lockheed Martin. $93,000.
Sharp, A. & Cifuentes, L. (2010). Enhancement of TAMU Directory of Community Resources to increase usability. Department of Aging and Disability Services. $25,263.
Benz, M. R., Cifuentes, L. D., & Sharp, A. (2008). Enhancement of TAMU Directory of Community Resources to Accommodate Incorporation of DADS Autism Service Provider Information. Department of Aging and Disability Services. $24,484.
Cifuentes, L., Bettati, R., Almes, G., and Marti, W. (2008- 2010). National Science Foundation award 0636424; Virtual Tools for Expanding the Cyber Horizon. Award amount $999,382; period: Start and end dates: May 2008-April 2010; 12% effort per year.
Full CV (PDF)
