eTextbook Development Professors and Supervisors

Clifford A. ShafferView profile

Professor

Schloss Dagstuhl - Leibniz Center for InformaticsGermany

Clifford A. Shaffer is a Professor at Virginia Tech, known for contributions to computer science education and bioinformatics modeling. His work focuses on algorithm visualization, eTextbook development (OpenDSA project), and computational biology. He has extensive publications in SIGCSE, ITiCSE, and bioinformatics journals. Research spans educational technologies like JSAV library and interactive learning systems, alongside systems biology models using tools like JigCell. Collaborates with experts in both CS education and biological systems analysis. Key affiliations: Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA) Co-developed OpenDSA platform for CS education Contributed to JigCell modeling framework for biochemical networks Research interests integrate computational methods with education innovation, emphasizing student engagement through active learning materials and data-driven pedagogy. Recent work explores group learning dynamics in CS1 courses and automated feedback systems for programming education.

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Amanda WaldenView profile

Senior Lecturer

University of Central FloridaUnited States

Amanda Walden, Ph.D., RHIA, CHDA, is a Senior Lecturer and HIIM Academic Program Coordinator at the University of Central Florida's School of Global Health Management and Informatics . Her expertise spans Healthcare Privacy , Health Information Systems , and Healthcare Management Education , informed by practical experience in acute care, behavioral health, and physician practices. She has developed and redesigned 10 courses to emphasize competency-based learning, reducing student costs through affordability initiatives. Education : PhD in Public Affairs (Health Services Research Track), University of Central Florida, 2018 MS in Health Services Administration, University of Central Florida, 2009 BS in Health Information Management (Summa Cum Laude), University of Central Florida, 2007 Research Trends : Her work bridges healthcare data analysis and educational innovation. Recent studies include frameworks for eTextbook adoption, healthcare privacy officer roles, and data breach risk assessment. Earlier research focused on AHIMA credential exam preparation strategies. Rewarded Excellence : AHIMA's highest honor: Triumph Educator Award (teaching excellence) AIM High's Individual Impact Award (cost-saving initiatives) Leadership & Engagement : Serves on national HIM committees, including the Council for Excellence in Education. Holds leadership roles in regional/national associations and presents at academic and industry events on HI/HIM topics.

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Randall S. DunnView profile

Adjunct Professor

Liberty UniversityUnited States

Dr. Randall S. Dunn is a Residential Adjunct Faculty member in the School of Education at Liberty University. He holds a doctorate from the University of Bath (UK) in educational technology, a master's in special education, and teaching licensures in regular and special education. His research focuses on online educator communities, technology integration in education, and transition services for students with mild disabilities. He coordinates Liberty University's M.Ed. program in educational technology and teaches courses in educational technology, special needs transition, social studies education, and curriculum design. Education: PhD in Education (University of Bath), M.Ed. Special Education, Teaching Licenses (4-8 Regular/Special Education) Research interests include leveraging technology to enhance professional development for educators, virtual learning environments, and bridging theoretical educational leadership with practical classroom applications. His recent work emphasizes innovative uses of digital tools like iPads and eTextbooks to foster deeper student engagement and collaborative learning. Dr. Dunn has contributed to over 55 research outputs, including presentations on educational technology applications and special education strategies. He actively collaborates on projects like the 'Community of Inquiry' framework for online learning and has pioneered initiatives to modernize textbook formats using digital platforms.

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Margaret EllisView profile

Professor

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityUnited States

Margaret Ellis is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech's College of Engineering. She holds a B.S. in Mathematics and an M.S. in Computer Science from Virginia Tech. Her academic roles include teaching CS2104 (Problem Solving in Computer Science) and CS2114 (Software Design and Data Structures), as well as leading initiatives like the Broadening Undergraduate Research Groups in Systems (BURGS) and the Computer Systems Genome Project. Ellis is recognized for her contributions to undergraduate teaching and diversity initiatives, highlighted by the 2024 IEEE Mary Kenneth Keller Award. Education: B.S. Mathematics (Virginia Tech), M.S. Computer Science (Virginia Tech) Research Interests: Computer Science Education, Student Motivation, Curriculum Design, and Diversity in STEM Service: Serves on committees like the College of Engineering Diversity Committee and the SIGCSE Organizing Committee Her research emphasizes practical computing skills integration, motivational climate in courses, and broadening participation in computer systems research. Ellis has led projects such as the 'Hidden Figures' initiative showcased at SC23 and co-authored numerous papers on student performance and educational strategies. Awards: 2024 IEEE Teaching Award, 2023 Faculty Service Award, 2020 Dean's Excellence in Teaching Award Grants/Projects: BURGS, Computer Systems Genome Project, Edamame Supply Chain Case Study Ellis's outreach efforts include Hidden Figures Day, Women in Computing events, and K-12 educational app development for special needs students.

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Sally HamoudaView profile

Associate Professor

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityUnited States

Sally Hamouda is a Collegiate Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech, part of the College of Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Virginia Tech (2015), and M.S. and B.S. degrees in Computer Engineering from Cairo University, Egypt (2010 and 2006 respectively). With 17 years of teaching experience, she specializes in computer science education, data analytics, and text mining. Her research focuses on improving educational practices through interactive tools like KiData and RecurTutor, and addresses global computing education challenges such as curriculum development in African countries. Dr. Hamouda currently chairs the InclusiveCS committee and has contributed to projects like the OpenDSA interactive eTextbook system. Her work emphasizes accessibility, with initiatives like the CS Advising Bot and KidDataViz aimed at enhancing student learning experiences. She has published extensively on topics ranging from recursion education to peer review methodologies in computing education research. Her academic contributions include designing data visualization tools (SimpleChartsRI), analyzing educational data through logged interactions, and advancing inferential statistics applications in education research. Dr. Hamouda's interdisciplinary approach bridges computer science fundamentals with pedagogical innovation, reflecting her commitment to making education impactful and equitable.

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Cliff ShafferView profile

Professor

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityUnited States

Cliff Shaffer is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech, affiliated with the College of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Maryland, College Park (1986, 1982, 1980). His research focuses on data structures, algorithms, algorithm visualization, and digital education, with notable contributions to educational tools like OpenDSA and JSAV. He is also involved in computational biology modeling through projects like JigCell and MSMB. Shaffer's work emphasizes interactive learning systems, including online textbooks and automated feedback mechanisms. He has authored influential textbooks such as Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis in Java and C++. His publications span algorithm visualization, educational technology, and computational methods in systems biology. He has advised numerous PhD and master’s students (names not listed in provided texts) and contributed to grants in areas like bioinformatics and education infrastructure. His lab and team projects include OpenDSA (an interactive eTextbook initiative) and JigCell (modeling biochemical systems). Shaffer’s work bridges theoretical computer science with practical educational and biological applications.

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Pino AlexandrosView profile

Lecturer

National and Kapodistrian University of AthensGreece

Pino Alexandros is a Lecturer in the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), affiliated with the School of Sciences. He has held roles including Laboratory Teaching Staff (EDIP) since 2014 and researcher in the Voice and Accessibility Lab since 1997. His expertise spans Human-Computer Interaction, Assistive Technologies, and Web Accessibility. Educations: PhD (2012): NKUA, Topic: Open Source Software for AAC Applications. MSc (2003): NKUA, Major: Communications and Networks. BEng (1995): Democritus University of Thrace, Field: Energy Engineering. Research Interests: Development of assistive technologies for motor and sensory impairments. Accessibility of digital content (web, eTextbooks, cultural heritage). Human-Computer Interaction design for inclusive systems. Gesture-based interfaces and real-time signal processing. Grants & Projects: EU-funded projects (e.g., InSIDE, HERMOPHILOS) focusing on inclusive education and accessible technologies. National initiatives on assistive tech inventory systems and web accessibility frameworks. Labs/Teams: Active contributor to the Voice and Accessibility Lab, leading work on AAC systems and assistive tech evaluation.

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