Dr. Dani McKinney
Research
One area of research I am currently focusing on is the use of technology in the learning environment. I am interested in ways instructors can incorporate new technology into their classroom lectures, and how best to create true learning communities in courses that are taught entirely online. This spring, my research colleagues and I have published a paper that explored the use of podcasts to enhance studying for exams.
Here is a link to download the iTunes University and the Classroom article in the journal Computers & Education.
My other research interest also focuses on learning, but the classroom setting is not at a University, it is behind prison walls. We are researching how programming offered in the prison setting can be made more accessible and more effective in helping the offender prepare for life on the outside. We are also exploring how community based reentry facilities contribute to a more successful transition back into family life, help with the ability to maintain steady employment, and help the ex-offender to make different choices in their lives.
Teaching
My education is primarily in the field of Cognitive Neuro psychology. The main courses I teach during the academic year are Cognitive Psychology, Statistics and History & Systems of Psychology. In Cognitive, I try to get students interested in how psychologists do experiments that explore how we process information, how we make decisions, and how we problem solve. During the summer I often also teach Physiological Psychology. In addition to teaching in the classroom setting, I also teach Introduction to Psychology in an online format through the SUNY Learning Network.
Department, University, and Community Service
I currently serve as the faculty advisor to the Psychology Club here on campus. I am a member of the Institutional Technology Advisory Board on campus, and am currently the Professional Development Center's Associate for Online Learning. In the department, I serve as the technology coordinator. I am the Walk Coordinator for The Fredonia Out of the Darkness Walk for suicide prevention, and a volunteer with Cephas prison ministries.
Selected Student - Faculty Collaboration
McKinney, D., Dyck, J. L., & Luber, E. (2009). iTunes University and the classroom: Can podcasts replace professors? Computers & Education, 52, 617-623.
Bartow, A., Borchert, C., Luber, E., & Smith, D., Dyck, J. L., & McKinney, D., (2008, April). Computer note taking in the classroom: If you type it will you remember? Paper presented at the 36th Annual Western Pennsylvania Undergraduate Psychology Conference, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, Erie, PA.
Borchert, C., Bartow, A., & Luber, E., McKinney, D., & Dyck, J. L. (2008, April). Implicit activation of associates influences confidence ratings and solvability in problem solving. Paper presented at the 36th Annual Western Pennsylvania Undergraduate Psychology Conference, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, Erie, PA.
Luber, E., Borchert, C., & Bartow, A., McKinney, D., & Dyck, J. L. (2008, April). iTunes University in the classroom: Can podcasts replace professors? Paper presented at the 36th Annual Western Pennsylvania Undergraduate Psychology Conference, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, Erie, PA.
Dent, A., Galbraith, R.,, McKinney, D. & Dyck, J. (2007, April). Intuitive Problem Solving and the Importance of Pre-existing Associates in Long Term Memory. Poster presented at the Western Pennsylvania Undergraduate Psychology Conference, Grove City, PA
Finley, V.E., & McKinney, D. (2006, April). The Social Problem-Solving Inventory as an Indicator of Recidivism in Ex-Felons. Poster presented at the Western Pennsylvania Undergraduate Psychology Conference, Erie, PA
Guidarelli, K.A., & McKinney, D. (2006, April). The Effect of Implicit Connections on Ambiguity Resolution. Poster presented at the Western Pennsylvania Undergraduate Psychology Conference, Erie, PA
Howard, A.J., & McKinney, D. (2006, April). The BarOn Emotional Quotient Interview as an Indicator of Recidivism in Ex-Felons. Paper presented at the Western Pennsylvania Undergraduate Psychology Conference, Erie, PA
Marsden, L., & McKinney, D. (2006, April). The Self-Appraisal Questionnaire as an Indicator of Reduced Rates of Recidivism. Poster presented at the Western Pennsylvania Undergraduate Psychology Conference, Erie, PA
Wunder, K.N., & McKinney, D. (2006, April). The BarOn EQ:i:S as an Indicator of Recidivism in Ex-Felons. Poster presented at the Western Pennsylvania Undergraduate Psychology Conference, Erie, PA