For the 2026 annual SERA meeting, there are two training sessions.
Training Session 1 ($30) OPEN
Leveraging AI-Tools in Your Education Research
Presenters: Peter Boedeker and Grant Morgan
This training session introduces participants to practical AI applications that can streamline and enhance their research. The session will demonstrate 3–4 widely accessible tools for various elements of the research process. Participants will learn strategies for integrating AI ethically and effectively, while maintaining rigor and transparency. Hands-on activities will provide opportunities to explore how AI can support efficiency and broaden the impact of education scholarship.
Training Session 2 ($30) OPEN
Systematic Synthesis: Methods, Strategies, and Tools for a Rigorous Literature Review
Presenters: Shirley Matteson and Audrey Meador
In contrast to the purpose of a traditional literature review synthesis, a systematic synthesis seeks to provide an answer to a specific question through deep examination of published studies. There are numerous formats of such systematic reviews. This workshop will outline critical steps in undertaking and completing a systematic synthesis with an emphasis on those employing qualitative methods. Steps include determining a question, deciding what studies are relevant, deep reading of the content, determining how studies relate to each other, technology for managing the systematic review, synthesizing the information, and writing up the findings. Attendees will be guided through the features of a free, publicly available technology software for conducting a systematic literature synthesis. Attendees will collaborate with other workshop participants on a small-scale qualitative literature synthesis project, exploring data collection, extraction, evaluation, and analysis of existing literature on a topic. Future collaborations and continuation of the work discussed during the workshop is highly encouraged. Prior to the workshop, all participants who register for this training will be provided with information for requesting access to the technology and are encouraged to bring a device for access to the platform to engage in this work.
Pending availability, tickets for the training session may be purchased on-site (check or cash only).