By Jeff Samoray, OU Web Writer

The National Reading Council recently recognized Oakland University graduate student Danhua Wang for her dissertation, entitled "Students' Learning Experiences and their Locus of Control in Web Supported Instruction," at its 52nd annual National Reading Conference in Miami. Wang's paper was ranked among the top five Student Outstanding Research Papers for 2002.

"My study is not about technology, but rather focused on how learners use technology," said Wang, a Ph.D. candidate in reading and language arts. "The National Reading Council honor gave me a great sense of accomplishment, but at the same time I realize that this honor could not have happened without the kind of support I received from my dissertation co-chairs (Distinguished Professor of Education Ron Cramer and Associate Professor of Education John McEneaney). John helped me shape and conceptualize the study and create a framework. He is very supportive and available to me. I never feel as though I'm intruding upon his time. And Ron always tries to do everything in his power to help me."

Cramer said Wang's research makes significant contributions to the study of how college students learn through technology.

"What makes her dissertation so outstanding is that it is well written, its research design is well constructed and the topic is of current significance," Cramer said. "She examines the uses of online resources in teaching a technology course and used four students from OU's Web CT program as a sample. It's known as a qualitative study as opposed to a quantitative study. It's scholarship we can refer to in our approach to Web CT in the future."

Wang came to the United States from China and began her studies at OU in 1995. She will defend her dissertation in February.

"In the past, I've directed dissertations by students from China, Israel, Poland and Jordan," Cramer said. "Our international students are wonderful to work with. And I also think they make good role models for OU students."