Four connected research pillars

Pillar 1

Artificial Intelligence and Literacy Education

Sam studies how teachers and students understand, question, and use artificial intelligence in literacy contexts, including writing instruction and educator preparedness.

Selected examples

• Teachers' perspectives on benefits and concerns of artificial intelligence in literacy education
• LEAP-AI scale work on literacy educators' attitudes and perspectives
• Fulbright U.S. Scholar project: Empowering Rural Chilean K-8 Teachers in AI Literacy

This work helps schools move beyond blanket adoption or avoidance toward thoughtful AI literacy, responsible classroom use, and stronger support for educators.

Pillar 2

Digital Literacies, Media Literacy, and Digital Citizenship

Sam's scholarship examines how learners analyze, create, share, and participate across digital and media environments.

Selected examples

• Digital citizenship, media literacy, and the ACTS Framework
• Teachers' perceptions of digital citizenship scale work
• Preservice teacher studies on media literacy and digital citizenship

Students need literacy practices for evaluating information, participating ethically, and communicating effectively in public digital spaces.

Pillar 3

Video Games, Game-Based Learning, and Literacy

Sam studies games as literacy-rich environments where players interpret multimodal texts, make decisions, collaborate, and learn.

Selected examples

• Games and Literacy Education (GALE) Scale
• Video games and literacy learning research synthesis
• Gamer Response and Decision Framework

Game-based learning research can help educators, developers, and organizations design experiences that connect motivation with meaningful reading, writing, and analysis.

Pillar 4

Teacher Education and Professional Learning

Across his research and teaching, Sam supports preservice and practicing teachers as they respond to emerging technologies and changing literacy demands.

Selected examples

• University of Missouri courses in reading methods, literacy assessment, writing, and doctoral literacy seminars
• Studies of preservice teachers' views of digital game-based learning, media literacy, digital citizenship, and AI
• Reading clinic and teacher education experience across University of Missouri, Texas A&M University, and Iowa State University

Professional learning is where research becomes classroom practice, especially when educators are asked to make careful decisions about fast-changing technologies.