HR job title
- Professor
- Contact Info
- Websites
- ORCiD
- 0000-0002-0768-5693
Wijekumar, Kausalai Professor
Positions
- Houston Endowed Professor, Teaching, Learning and Culture, School of Education and Human Development
- Director, Center for Urban School Partnerships, Teaching, Learning and Culture, School of Education and Human Development
- Professor, Teaching, Learning and Culture, School of Education and Human Development
Dr. Wijekumar designs, develops, and tests intelligent tutoring systems to improve literacy practices with students and teachers. She focuses on reading comprehension, writing, and teacher professional development. The web-based tutoring systems and all the supporting materials are available in English and Spanish. Dr. Wijekumar's work has received accolades from the What Works Clearinghouse and U.S. News and World Report. She has received over 60 million dollars in grant funding from many Federal agencies. Currently she serves as Principal Investigator on five US Department of Education grants totaling 17 million dollars in funding.
Research Areas
- Overview
- Publications
- Research
- Teaching
- Background
- Contact
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Overview
Publications
selected publications
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academic article
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Rice, M., Erbeli, F., & Wijekumar, K.
(2024).
Phonemic Awareness: Evidence-Based Instruction for Students in Need of Intervention. 59(4), 269-273.
-
Moore, K. A., Lai, J., Quinonez-Beltran, J. F., Wijekumar, K., & Joshi, R. M.
(2023).
Correction to: A cross-orthographic view of dyslexia identification. Journal of Cultural Cognitive Science.
7(3), 355-356.
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Rice, M., Erbeli, F., & Wijekumar, K.
(2023).
Phonemic Awareness: Evidence-Based Instruction for Students in Need of Intervention. Intervention in School and Clinic.
1-10.
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McKeown, D., Wijekumar, K., Owens, J., Harris, K., Graham, S., Lei, P., & FitzPatrick, E.
(2023).
Professional development for evidence-based SRSD writing instruction: Elevating fourth grade outcomes. Contemporary Educational Psychology.
73, 102152-102152.
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Camping, A., Stack, A., Bristow, A., Wijekumar, K., McKeown, D., Sierra, P., & Hotcaveg, S.
(2023).
An Analysis of Student Skills and Teacher Practices Across Writing Textbooks in Grades 4 and 5. 1-18.
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Rice, M., Wijekumar, K., Lambright, K., & Bristow, A.
(2023).
Inferencing in Reading Comprehension: Examining Variations in Definition, Instruction, and Assessment. Technology, Knowledge and Learning.
1-22.
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Wijekumar, K. K., Harris, K. R., Graham, S., & Lei, P.
(2022).
A teacher technology tango shows strong results on 5th graders persuasive writing. Educational Technology Research and Development.
70(4), 1415-1439.
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Xu, Z., Wijekumar, K. K., Lin, S., Yang, X., & Nan, B. o.
(2022).
Web-Based Text Structure Instruction on Ells' High-Order Reading Comprehension Skills. Reading Psychology.
43(3-4), 211-231.
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Lindner, A. L., Wijekumar, K., & Joshi, R. M.
(2022).
English Spelling Performance in Writing Samples Among Spanish-Speaking ELLs. Journal of Learning Disabilities.
55(2), 114-122.
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Joshi, R. M., Wijekumar, K., & Gillespie Rouse, A.
(2022).
International Perspectives on Spelling and Writing in Different Orthographies: Introduction to the Special Series. Journal of Learning Disabilities.
55(2), 83-86.
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Lee, J., Chow, S., Lei, P., Wijekumar, K. K., & Molenaar, P.
(2021).
Dynamics of learning: time-varying feedback effects within the intelligent tutoring system of structure strategy (ITSS). Educational Technology Research and Development.
69(6), 2963-2984.
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Hudson, A. K., Owens, J., Moore, K. A., Lambright, K., & Wijekumar, K. K.
(2021).
"What's the Main Idea?": Using Text Structure to Build Comprehension. Reading Teacher.
75(1), 113-118.
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Zhang, S., Wijekumar, K. K., & Han, B.
(2021).
An Analysis of Grade 4 Reading Textbooks used in Mainland China: Do the Texts and Activities Support Higher Order Reading Comprehension Skills?. Technology, Knowledge and Learning.
26(2), 251-291.
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Wijekumar, K., Zhang, S., Joshi, R. M., & Peti-Stantic, A.
(2021).
Introduction to the Special Issue: Textbook Content and Organization-Why it Matters to Reading Comprehension in Elementary Grades?. Technology, Knowledge and Learning.
26(2), 243-249.
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Beerwinkle, A. L., Wijekumar, K., Walpole, S., & Aguis, R.
(2021).
An analysis of the ecological components within a text structure intervention (vol 31, pg 2041, 2018). 34(5), 1367-1367.
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Wijekumar, K. K.
(2021).
Influence of emotions on digital learning. Educational Technology Research and Development.
69(1), 55-57.
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Xu, Z., Wijekumar, K. K., Wang, Q., Irey, R., & Liang, H.
(2021).
The effects of web-based text structure strategy instruction on adult Chinese ELLs' reading comprehension and reading strategy use. Language Teaching Research.
136216882110223-136216882110223.
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Joshi, R. M., & Wijekumar, K.
(2020).
Introduction to the special issue: Teacher knowledge of literacy skills international perspectives. Dyslexia: an international journal of research and practice.
26(3), 245-246.
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Wijekumar, K., Beerwinkle, A., McKeown, D., Zhang, S., & Joshi, R. M.
(2020).
The "GIST" of the reading comprehension problem in grades 4 and 5. Dyslexia: an international journal of research and practice.
26(3), 323-340.
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Joshi, R. M., & Wijekumar, K.
(2020).
Introduction to the special issue: "Teacher knowledge of literacy skills". Dyslexia: an international journal of research and practice.
26(2), 117-119.
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Wijekumar, K., Meyer, B. J., Lei, P., Beerwinkle, A. L., & Joshi, M
(2020).
Supplementing teacher knowledge using web-based Intelligent Tutoring System for the Text Structure Strategy to improve content area reading comprehension with fourth- and fifth-grade struggling readers. Dyslexia: an international journal of research and practice.
26(2), 120-136.
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Xu, Z., Wijekumar, K. K., Ramirez, G., Hu, X., & Irey, R.
(2019).
The effectiveness of intelligent tutoring systems on K-12 students' reading comprehension: A meta-analysis. British Journal of Educational Technology.
50(6), 3119-3137.
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Wijekumar, K., Graham, S., Harris, K. R., Lei, P., Barkel, A., Aitken, A., Ray, A., & Houston, J.
(2019).
The roles of writing knowledge, motivation, strategic behaviors, and skills in predicting elementary students' persuasive writing from source material. Reading and writing.
32(6), 1431-1457.
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Xu, Z., Banerjee, M., Ramirez, G., Zhu, G., & Wijekumar, K. K.
(2019).
The effectiveness of educational technology applications on adult English language learners' writing quality: a meta-analysis. Computer Assisted Language Learning.
32(1-2), 132-162.
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Wijekumar, K. K., Beerwinkle, A. L., Harris, K. R., & Graham, S.
(2019).
Etiology of teacher knowledge and instructional skills for literacy at the upper elementary grades. Annals of Dyslexia.
69(1), 5-20.
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Malatesha Joshi, R., & Wijekumar, K. K.
(2019).
Introduction: teacher perception, self-efficacy and teacher knowledge relating to literacy. Annals of Dyslexia.
69(1), 1-4.
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Graham, S., Wijekumar, K., Harris, K. R., Lei, P., Fishman, E., Ray, A. B., & Houston, J.
(2019).
Writing Skills, Knowledge, Motivation, and Strategic Behavior Predict Students' Persuasive Writing Performance in the Context of Robust Writing Instruction. Elementary School Journal.
119(3), 487-510.
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Beerwinkle, A. L., Wijekumar, K., Walpole, S., & Aguis, R.
(2018).
An analysis of the ecological components within a text structure intervention. Reading and writing.
31(9), 2041-2064.
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Meyer, B., Wijekumar, K., & Lei, P.
(2018).
Comparative signaling generated for expository texts by 4th-8th graders: variations by text structure strategy instruction, comprehension skill, and signal word. Reading and writing.
31(9), 1937-1968.
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Wijekumar, K., Meyer, B., Lei, P., Hernandez, A. C., & August, D. L.
(2018).
Improving content area reading comprehension of Spanish speaking English learners in Grades 4 and 5 using web-based text structure instruction. Reading and writing.
31(9), 1969-1996.
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Ji, X. R., Beerwinkle, A., Wijekumar, K. K., Lei, P., Joshi, R. M., & Zhang, S.
(2018).
Using latent transition analysis to identify effects of an intelligent tutoring system on reading comprehension of seventh-grade students. Reading and writing.
31(9), 2095-2113.
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Wijekumar, K. K., Meyer, B., Lei, P., Cheng, W., Ji, X., & Joshi, R. M.
(2017).
Evidence of an Intelligent Tutoring System as a Mindtool to Promote Strategic Memory of Expository Texts and Comprehension With Children in Grades 4 and 5. Journal of Educational Computing Research.
55(7), 1022-1048.
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Wijekumar, K. K., Meyer, B., & Lei, P.
(2017).
Web-Based Text Structure Strategy Instruction Improves Seventh Graders' Content Area Reading Comprehension. Journal of Educational Psychology.
109(6), 741-760.
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Wijekumar, K., Meyer, B., Lei, P., Lin, Y., Johnson, L. A., Spielvogel, J. A., & Shurmatz, K. M.
(2014).
Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial Examining Intelligent Tutoring of Structure Strategy for Fifth-Grade Readers. Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness.
7(4), 331-357.
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Meyer, B., & Wijekumar, K. K.
(2014).
Why fifth- and seventh-graders submit off-task responses to a web-based reading comprehension tutor rather than expected learning responses. Computers & Education.
75, 229-252.
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Wijekumar, K. K., Meyer, B., & Lei, P.
(2013).
High-fidelity implementation of web-based intelligent tutoring system improves fourth and fifth graders content area reading comprehension. Computers & Education.
68, 366-379.
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Wijekumar, K. K., Meyer, B., & Lei, P.
(2012).
Large-scale randomized controlled trial with 4th graders using intelligent tutoring of the structure strategy to improve nonfiction reading comprehension. Educational Technology Research and Development.
60(6), 987-1013.
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Meyer, B., Wijekumar, K. K., & Lin, Y.
(2011).
Individualizing a Web-Based Structure Strategy Intervention for Fifth Graders' Comprehension of Nonfiction. Journal of Educational Psychology.
103(1), 140-168.
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Meyer, B., Wijekumar, K., Middlemiss, W., Higley, K., Lei, P., Meier, C., & Spielvogel, J.
(2010).
Web-Based Tutoring of the Structure Strategy With or Without Elaborated Feedback or Choice for Fifth- and Seventh-Grade Readers. Reading Research Quarterly.
45(1), 62-92.
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Wijekumar, K. K., & Jonassen, D. H.
(2007).
The role of computer tools in experts solving ill-structured problems. Computers in Human Behavior.
23(1), 664-704.
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Wijekumar, K. K., & Spielvogel, J.
(2006).
Intelligent discussion boards. Campus-Wide Information Systems.
23(3), 221-232.
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J., W. K., Meyer, B., Wagoner, D., & Ferguson, L.
(2006).
Technology affordances: the real story in research with K12 and undergraduate learners. British Journal of Educational Technology.
37(2), 191-209.
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Wijekumar, K. K.
(2006).
Implementing Web-Based Intelligent Tutoring Systems in K-12 Settings: A Case Study on Approach and Challenges. Journal of Educational Technology Systems.
35(2), 193-208.
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Wijekumar, K., & Meidinger, P.
(2006).
Interrupted cognition in an undergraduate programming course. Proceedings of the American Society for Information Science and Technology.
42(1), n/a-n/a.
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Wagoner, D., & Wijekumar, K.
(2004).
Improving self-awareness of nutrition and lifestyle practices through on-line journaling. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.
36(4), 211-212.
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Cameron, B. H., & Wijekumar, K.
(2003).
The effectiveness of simulation in a hybrid and on-line networking course. 35(1), 117-119.
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Wijekumar, K.
(2002).
Session details: Software engineering --- 2. Sigcse Bulletin.
34(1),
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Wijekumar, K., Lei, P., Rice, M., Beerwinkle, A., Zhang, S., & Meyer, B.
A Web-Based Intelligent Tutoring System for Reading Comprehension Delivered to Fifth-Grade Students Attending High-Poverty Schools: Results From a Replication Efficacy Study. Journal of Educational Psychology.
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Moore, K. A., Lai, J., Quinonez-Beltran, J. F., Wijekumar, K., & Joshi, R. M.
A cross-orthographic view of dyslexia identification. Journal of Cultural Cognitive Science.
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Wijekumar, K. K., Zhang, S., & McKeown, D.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Misalignment, Misinterpretation, and Misappropriation of Literacy Research to Practice and Policy. Technology, Knowledge and Learning.
1-11.
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Rice, M., Lambright, K., & Wijekumar, K.
Professional Development in Reading Comprehension: A Metaanalysis of the Effects on Teachers and Students. Reading Research Quarterly.
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Rice, M., Wijekumar, K., Lambright, K., & Stack, A.
Promoting Inference Generation: Using Questioning and Strategy Instruction to Support Upper Elementary Students. Reading Teacher.
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Rice, M., Erbeli, F., & Wijekumar, K.
(2024).
Phonemic Awareness: Evidence-Based Instruction for Students in Need of Intervention. 59(4), 269-273.
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chapter
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Wijekumar, K. K., McKeown, D., Zhang, S., Lei, P., Hruska, N., & Pirnay-Dummer, P.
(2024).
We Write Automated Scoring. The Routledge International Handbook of Automated Essay Evaluation.
(pp. 178-194).
Taylor & Francis.
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Wijekumar, K. K., Harris, K. R., Graham, S., & Meyer, B.
(2016).
Adaptive Educational Technologies for Literacy Instruction. Crossley, S. A., & McNamara, D. S. (Eds.),
Adaptive Educational Technologies for Literacy Instruction.
(pp. 184-203).
Routledge.
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Wijekumar, K. K., Meyer, B., Harris, K. R., Graham, S., & Beerwinkle, A.
(2016).
Comparing learning outcomes and implementation factors from student-managed vs. Teacher-managed intelligent tutoring systems. Intelligent Tutoring Systems: Structure, Applications and Challenges.
(pp. 175-200).
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Meyer, B., & Wijekumar, K. K.
(2016).
Intelligent Tutoring of the Structure Strategy. Adaptive Educational Technologies for Literacy Instruction.
(pp. 82-103).
Taylor & Francis.
-
Wijekumar, K. K., Harris, K. R., Graham, S., & Meyer, B.
(2016).
We-Write. Adaptive Educational Technologies for Literacy Instruction.
(pp. 184-203).
Taylor & Francis.
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Wijekumar, K. K., Meyer, B., & Lei, P.
(2016).
Improving Content Area Reading Comprehension with 46th Grade Spanish ELLs Using Web-Based Structure Strategy Instruction. Competencies in Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership in the Digital Age.
(pp. 123-135).
Springer Nature.
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Wijekumar, K. K., & Meyer, B.
(2013).
Learning, Problem Solving, and Mindtools, Essays in Honor of David H. Jonassen. Spector, J. M., Lockee, B. B., Smaldino, S., & Herring, M. (Eds.),
Learning, Problem Solving, and Mindtools: Essays in Honor of David H. Jonassen.
(pp. 126-138).
Taylor & Francis.
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Rogers, P. L., Berg, G. A., Boettcher, J. V., Howard, C., Justice, L., Schenk, K. D., & Wijekumar, K. K.
(2009).
Using Intelligent Tutoring Technologies to Enhance Online Learning Environments. Encyclopedia of Distance Learning, Second Edition.
(pp. 2246-2251).
IGI Global.
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Distefano, A., Rudestam, K., & Silverman, R.
(2004).
Hypertext. Encyclopedia of Distributed Learning.
SAGE Publications.
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Distefano, A., Rudestam, K., & Silverman, R.
(2004).
Staffing. Encyclopedia of Distributed Learning.
SAGE Publications.
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Distefano, A., Rudestam, K., & Silverman, R.
(2004).
Virtual Learning Tools. Encyclopedia of Distributed Learning.
SAGE Publications.
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Distefano, A., Rudestam, K., & Silverman, R.
(2004).
Web-Based Course Management Systems (WBCMS). Encyclopedia of Distributed Learning.
SAGE Publications.
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Wijekumar, K. K., McKeown, D., Zhang, S., Lei, P., Hruska, N., & Pirnay-Dummer, P.
(2024).
We Write Automated Scoring. The Routledge International Handbook of Automated Essay Evaluation.
(pp. 178-194).
Taylor & Francis.
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conference paper
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Wijekumar, K., Ladakos, M., Bruce, N., Benscoter, J., Boguszewski, A., Conklin, S., & Gilliam, D.
(2014).
DESIGNING STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS THAT WORK FOR STUDENTS - A CASE STUDY IN USABILITY. INTED2014: 8TH INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY, EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE.
2950-2950.
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Wijekumar, K., Meyer, B., & Lei, P
(2014).
Improving content area reading comprehension with 4-6th grade Spanish ells using web-based structure strategy instruction. 158-164.
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Wijekumar, K.
(2014).
THE LIBRARY OF THE FUTURE - LISEUM. INTED2014: 8TH INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY, EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE.
2956-2956.
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Wijekumar, K., & Meyer, B
(2012).
Improving reading comprehension in 4 th grade rural and suburban students. 404-408.
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Garza, R., Cychol, V., Knotek, E., Wijekumar, K., Dickey, S., Clise, J., Watt, J., & Rorick, D
(2012).
Real-life problem-based learning environments as a learning tool in information sciences and technology. 409-412.
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Wijekumar, K. J., Meidinger, E. J., Baxa, D., Crossland, J., Guantonio, M., Iocca, D., Petruccelli, A., & Stewart, I.
(2010).
NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING AND SCORING STUDENT WRITING IN WEB-BASED INTELLIGENT TUTORING SYSTEMS. 659-664.
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Wijekumar, K., & Pirnay-Dummer, P.
(2009).
Assessing diversity disposition of European and American students. 519-520.
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Wijekumar, K. K., Garlitz, K., Hartman, D., Lyon, J., Shaffer, M., & Thompson, A.
(2008).
Cognitive schemas in web-based learning environments: Effects of instant messaging interruptions on undergraduates. 151-154.
-
Wijekumar, K. K., & Meyer, B.
(2008).
Reading comprehension and motivation in elementary school students using a web-based tutoring system. 231-236.
-
Wijekumar, K., & Cameron, B.
(2007).
Classifying Web Based Discussion Forum Tasks And Learning Outcomes Of Undergraduate Information Science Students. 12.363.1-12.363.9.
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Wijekumar, K., & Cameron, B
(2007).
Classifying web-based discussion forum tasks and learning outcomes of undergraduate information science students. ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Conference Proceedings.
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Wijekumar, K. K., & Spielvogel, J.
(2006).
Web-Based Intelligent Tutoring Systems in K-12 Settings. 506-510.
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Bogolea, B., & Wijekumar, K.
(2004).
Information security curriculum creation: a case study. 59-65.
-
Wijekumar, K., & Meyer, B.
(2004).
Modeling, assessment, & feedback in web-based tutoring for the structure strategy. 631-635.
-
Cameron, B. H., & Wijekumar, K.
(2003).
The effectiveness of simulation in a hybrid and on-line networking course. Sigcse Bulletin.
117-119.
-
Wijekumar, K.
(2002).
Session details: Software engineering --- 2
-
Wijekumar, K. J.
(2001).
Implementing Collaborative Learning Research in Web-Based Course Design and Management Systems. 86-89.
-
Wijekumar, K., Ladakos, M., Bruce, N., Benscoter, J., Boguszewski, A., Conklin, S., & Gilliam, D.
(2014).
DESIGNING STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS THAT WORK FOR STUDENTS - A CASE STUDY IN USABILITY. INTED2014: 8TH INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY, EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE.
2950-2950.
Research
principal investigator on
- Goal 3 Efficacy Trial of Text Structure Strategy Instruction on the Web for Spanish-Speaking English Learners (SWELL) in Grades 4 and 5 awarded by United States Department of Education - (Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States) 2018 - 2022
- Goal 3 Efficacy Trial of the We-Write Intervention in Grades 4 and 5 awarded by United States Department of Education - (Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States) 2018 - 2022
- Massively Open Online Virtual Practice-Based Professional Development for Teachers in High Need Schools awarded by United States Department of Education - (Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States) 2018 - 2021
- Efficacy and Replication Trial of the Individualized Adaptive ITSS with 4th and 5th Grade Students in High Poverty Schools awarded by United States Department of Education - (Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States) 2015 - 2020
- Development of a web-based writing partner (We-Write Persuasively) to improve writing persuasive essays for 5th grade students awarded by United States Department of Education - (Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States) 2014 - 2018
- Improving Reading Comprehension of Middle Grades English Language Learners by Combining Structure Strategy with Web-Based Adaptive Tutoring for ESL Learners (SWELL) awarded by United States Department of Education - (Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States) 2014 - 2016
Teaching
teaching activities
- EDCI680 Proseminar Instructor
- EDCI684 Prof Internship Instructor
- EDCI685 Directed Studies Instructor
- EDCI686 Rsch Mthds In Edci I Instructor
- EDCI689 Sptp: Eff Tech 21 Cent Learn Instructor
- EDCI691 Research Instructor
- EDCI692 Professional Study Instructor
- RDNG372 Rdng Wrtng In Midg Curr Instructor
- RDNG468 Essen Found Lang Literacy Instructor
- RDNG603 Adv Lit Tch Lrn Across Disc Instructor
- RDNG604 Rdng Diagnosis Instructor
- RDNG634 Rdng Research Trends Instructor
- RDNG635 Theory Of Rdng Process Instructor
- RDNG649 Rdng Inst High Sch Col Instructor
Background
education and training
- Ph.D. in Instructional Systems, Pennsylvania State University - (State College, Pennsylvania, United States) 2000
awards and honors
- Association of Former Students University-Level Distinguished Achievement Award, The, conferred by Texas A&M University - (College Station, Texas, United States), 2022
- Enhancing Development and Generating Excellence in Scholarship (EDGES) Fellow, conferred by Texas A&M University - (College Station, Texas, United States), 2020
Contact
first name
- Kausalai
has last name
- Wijekumar
mailing address
-
Texas A&M University
Teaching, Learning And Culture (Tlac)
4232 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-4232
USA
Other
In the News
- Texas A&M University Announces 2020 EDGES Fellows News Release
- k_wijekumar@tamu.edu