Mary Jo Dondlinger, Ph.D.

Department Head

A Conversation with Dr. Dondlinger

What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce?

I would tell them about how terrific the students at A&M-Commerce are. Our students are dedicated, resourceful and passionate about their learning. They are helpful to each other, generous with their own knowledge and intellectually courageous. I love learning with them!

What draws you to your discipline?

My education and interests are multi-disciplinary. I studied English because of my love of literature and a deep appreciation for how critical communication is to improving one's own well-being and ability to succeed. I also became passionate about the connections between literature, art, philosophy and critical theory … which led me to study the humanities at the graduate level. After teaching English at the college level for a number of years, I wanted to learn to teach even better. This drew me to educational technology and designing meaningful learning experiences supported by technology.

What has been your favorite course to teach?

I have a few favorites, but Games and Simulations for Learning is among my top favorites. Students in this class learn to design games or simulations that support learning, and we have a great deal of fun while doing so.

Educational Background

• Ph.D., Learning Technologies/Educational Computing, University of North Texas, 2009
• Graduate Certificate, Community College Leadership, University of North Texas, 2009
• M.A., Interdisciplinary Humanities, Arizona State University, 2005
• B.A., English, Arizona State University, 2003

Research Interests

• Instructional methods and technologies that support dispositions for critical and creative thinking
• Problem-based learning, games and simulations, making and makerspaces

Professional Organizations

• Texas Computer Education Association
• International Society for Technology in Education
• Association for Educational Communications and Technologies
• American Educational Research Association

Selected Publications

• Dondlinger, Mary J. (2021). Technology and inquiry-based instructional methods: A design case in student-centered online course design. International Journal of Designs for Learning.
• Wilson, D. A., Dondlinger, M. J., Parsons, J. L., & Niu, X. (2018). Exploratory analysis of a blended-learning course redesign for developmental writers. Community College Journal of Research & Practice, 42(1). Doi: 10.1080/10668926.2016.1264898
• Dondlinger, M., McLeod, J., & Bigenho, C. (Eds.). (2017). Special issue on makerspace design cases. International Journal of Designs for Learning, 8(1). Doi: 10.14434/ijdl.v8i1.23672
• Dondlinger, M.J., McLeod, J., & Vasinda, S. (2016). Essential conditions for technology-supported, student-centered learning: An analysis of student experiences with Math Out Loud using the ISTE Standards for Students. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 48(4). Doi: 10.1080/15391523.2016.1212633