Raghad Alsaka

Raghad Alsaka

Ph.D. in Education — Curriculum and Instruction, University of Idaho

Curriculum Vitae

Download CV (PDF)

Education

Ph.D. in Education, Curriculum and Instruction
University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho — Completed May 2026
Emphasis: Educational Technology
Dissertation: Generative AI in Graduate Education: Master’s and Doctoral Students’ Experiences and Academic Practices
Chair: Dr. Janine Darragh
Methodology: Qualitative phenomenological study using semi-structured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis

M.A. in Education, Educating Multilingual Learners
Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona — Completed 2021

B.A. in English Language and Literature
Al-Balqa Applied University, Jordan — Completed 2019

Academic Appointments and University Teaching

Graduate Teaching Assistant / Instructor
University of Idaho, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Moscow, Idaho — August 2023 to May 2026

Taught and supported undergraduate and graduate students in curriculum planning, instructional methods, educational theory, and teacher preparation. Designed and facilitated learning activities, discussions, assignments, and assessments for preservice teachers. Integrated educational technology and online tools to support student engagement and learning.

Courses taught (Instructor of Record):

Research

Dissertation Research
Generative AI in Graduate Education: Master’s and Doctoral Students’ Experiences and Academic Practices
University of Idaho, 2026

Explored graduate students’ lived experiences using generative AI in academic work. Examined how students use AI for brainstorming, summarizing, drafting, language refinement, and learning support. Investigated ethical concerns related to accuracy, privacy, academic integrity, institutional expectations, and overreliance. Qualitative phenomenological study using semi-structured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis.

High-Impact Online Professional Learning Experiences for Teachers to Support Accelerated Learning for Students (CALM)
University of Idaho

Contributed to a professional learning project designed to support teachers through online professional development. Focused on research-based strategies, interactive tools, collaboration, and support for student learning. Supported qualitative data analysis by reviewing and refining AI-generated interview transcripts using Otter.ai, cleaning and organizing textual data, and preparing transcripts for thematic coding and interpretation.

Publications

Manuscripts Under Review

Alsaka, R., Darragh, J., Wang, J., and Udekwu, L. (2026). Bridging practice and professional growth: Teachers’ literacy perceptions and the potential of a literacy symposium. Manuscript under review at The WERA Educational Journal.

Cheah, Y. H., Hsu, H.-P., Lu, J., & Alsaka, R. (2026). Talking to the machine: Pre-service teachers’ prompting strategies and decision-making in using generative artificial intelligence. Manuscript under review at Australasian Journal of Educational Technology.

Awards and Honors

Best Paper Award
Instructional Technology SIG 52, American Educational Research Association (AERA), 2026
Paper: Preservice Teachers’ Prompting Practices and Decision-Making in Using Generative Artificial Intelligence

Conference Presentations

Preservice Teachers’ Prompting Practices and Decision-Making in Using Generative Artificial Intelligence
Instructional Technology SIG 52, American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting — 2026, Los Angeles

Preservice Teachers and Artificial Intelligence: Unpacking Their Conceptualizations, Use, and Justifications
Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) — 2025, Las Vegas

A Systematic Review of the Use of AI in Language Education: A Global Lens
Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) — 2025, Las Vegas

K-12 Teachers’ Social Media Use for Professional Learning: A Cross-Cultural Comparison Study
Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) — 2025, Las Vegas

Kaleela: A User-Centered Approach to Arabic Language Learning Through Digital Innovation
Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) — 2025, Las Vegas

Conferences Attended

Professional Experience

English Teacher
Kingston School, Amman, Jordan — September 2020 to August 2021

Taught English using the British curriculum for early elementary learners. Revised lesson plans and instructional materials to support student-centered learning. Communicated with families and school staff to support students’ academic and behavioral development.

English Teacher
The English Playgroup and Primary Group Educational Company, Kuwait — September 2019 to August 2020

Taught English and supported additional curriculum areas including mathematics and personal, social, and emotional development. Developed quizzes, classroom activities, and instructional materials to evaluate student learning.

Content Writer
Reach Immigration / Kaleela Project, Amman, Jordan — January 2019 to August 2019

Wrote English-language articles for the Kaleela project, which supports Arabic learning for non-Arabic speakers. Researched topics related to language learning, culture, and education.

English Second Language Teacher
Arjan Gate Center, Amman, Jordan — 2017 to 2018

Taught English to elementary-level learners through stories, songs, games, and interactive activities. Developed lessons to support grammar, reading, speaking, and conversational English.

Skills

Research and Academic: Qualitative research, semi-structured interviews, reflexive thematic analysis, literature review, academic writing, APA 7, research ethics and IRB procedures, data organization and coding

Teaching and Curriculum: Curriculum development, lesson planning, teacher preparation, children’s literature instruction, multilingual learner support, assessment and evaluation

Technology: Educational technology tools, generative AI tools for teaching and research support, IBM SPSS Statistics, learning management systems, online and blended teaching tools

Certifications and Professional Development

Languages

Service and Volunteer Experience

Volunteer
LOYAK Day Project, 2020 — Completed more than 10 volunteer hours

Professional Memberships