Research — Mete Akcaoglu

Research

Professor of Instructional Technology · Georgia Southern University

Research Program

My work focuses on the design and evaluation of technology-rich learning environments, with an emphasis on motivation, curiosity, and computational thinking in K–12 settings.

h-index 28 · 4,923 citations · Google Scholar (retrieved May 2026)

Research Interests

  • Interest development and motivation in technology-rich learning environments
  • Game-based learning and computational thinking in K–12
  • AI in education and LLM-assisted research workflows
  • Online learning design and community of inquiry

Book

Wang, W., Akcaoglu, M., Rosenberg, J., & Kellogg, S. (2026). Computational Analysis of Educational Data: A Field Guide Using R. Read online

Selected Publications

  1. Akcaoglu, M. & Ocak, C. (under review). Capturing Interest Development in Online Teacher Education: Retrospective Pretests and LLM Text Analysis.
  2. *Ozcan, M.S. & Akcaoglu, M. (2026). Development and validation of the multidimensional interest development survey (MIS). Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment. https://doi.org/10.1177/07342829261440809
  3. Flanigan, A. E., Brady, A. C., Akcaoglu, M., et al. (2025). The interplay among digital distraction, self-regulation of learning tendencies, and motivational influences. The Internet and Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2025.101023
  4. Hamilton, E., Rosenberg, J.M., & Akcaoglu, M. (2016). Examining the SAMR model for technology integration. TechTrends, 60(5), 433–441. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-016-0091-y
  5. Akcaoglu, M. & Koehler, M.J. (2014). Cognitive outcomes from the Game-Design and Learning (GDL) after-school program. Computers & Education, 75, 72–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2014.02.003
  6. Akcaoglu, M. (2014). Learning problem-solving through making games. Educational Technology Research & Development, 62(5), 583–600. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-014-9347-4
  7. Bowman, N.D. & Akcaoglu, M. (2014). “I see smart people!”: Using Facebook to supplement the university mass lecture. The Internet and Higher Education, 23, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2014.05.003
  8. Akcaoglu, M. & Lee, E. (2016). Increasing social presence in online learning through small group discussions. IRRODL, 17(3). https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v17i3.2293

* graduate student co-authors

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Active Grants

  1. Math Nation — Georgia Pilot Program Evaluation (2025–2026). Georgia Department of Education. $1,000,000. Role: Co-PI.
  2. Project GAME: Developing and Piloting a Game Design-Based Computer Science Curriculum (2020–2022). NSF #2027948. $299,895. Role: PI. (Completed)

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