The SMART Lab helps faculty integrate research tools, data analysis, visualization,
and AI and data literacy into their courses. It also supports faculty research by
helping with project planning, tool selection, public data collection, transcription,
visualization, and the presentation of findings.
Faculty can request access to the SMART Lab Research Hub for a single student or an
entire class. The Research Hub is a D2L-based resource site accessed through OneCampus.
It includes training videos, guides, sample materials, datasets, and method-specific
resources that help students understand the research process and use the lab’s tools
with more confidence.
Ready to Connect?
To request support, scan the QR code posted outside the SMART Lab or email smartlab@radford.edu.
Classroom Integration and Lab Demos
Faculty can schedule a class visit to the SMART Lab or request a lab-supported visit
to their own classroom. The lab can provide tours, software demonstrations, AI literacy
discussions, data literacy workshops, and research tool introductions connected to
course content.
The SMART Lab can also help faculty design assignments that make purposeful use of
the technology in the room, including projects involving surveys, interviews, social
media analytics, data visualization, content analysis, and responsible uses of AI.
Faculty may refer students to the SMART Lab for individual help with research projects.
Staff can help students refine a research question, identify appropriate tools, build
data literacy, use AI responsibly, prepare for data collection, and work through common
project challenges.
Students remain responsible for completing, interpreting, and explaining their own
work. The SMART Lab provides guidance, structure, and technical support so students
better understand the research process and the tools they are using.
Data Collection and Transcription Support
Faculty, students, and staff can request support with public online data collection
and transcription. The lab has tools for collecting public and social media data,
as well as software to transcribe recorded interviews, focus groups, presentations,
and other audio or video materials.
For some projects, lab staff may assist with transcription. For confidential, sensitive,
or IRB-approved work, the lab can help researchers access and use transcription software
while limiting the lab’s exposure to the data. The principal investigator or project
lead remains responsible for managing files, protecting participant confidentiality,
verifying transcript accuracy, and removing files from lab systems when the work is
complete.
Faculty may request help turning existing data or research findings into clear visuals
for conference presentations, research posters, class materials, and other academic
or professional settings. The SMART Lab can help faculty choose appropriate visual
formats, improve the clarity of charts and dashboards, and prepare findings for audiences
who need to understand the results quickly.
Faculty remain responsible for the accuracy of the data, the interpretation of the
findings, and any research requirements connected to the project.
IRB Application Guidance
The SMART Lab can provide general guidance to faculty and students as they prepare
IRB materials. Staff can help researchers think through research questions, recruitment
language, informed consent, survey and interview design, data collection procedures,
confidentiality, and clear descriptions of methods.
The SMART Lab does not approve studies, determine exemptions, issue revisions, or
make compliance decisions. The lab’s role is to help researchers prepare clearer,
stronger materials while the principal investigator and research team remain responsible
for the protocol and all applicable requirements.
Research Technology and Analysis Support
Staff can help faculty and students set up research software, identify tools that
fit a project, and consider possible analytical approaches. The lab does not take
over data analysis for researchers, but it can help them think through options, understand
what different tools can do, visualize findings, and make informed decisions about
next steps.
The SMART Lab also supports responsible use of AI and automated tools in research,
teaching, and presentation. The goal is to help researchers use technology with purpose
while building the skills needed to understand, explain, and defend their own work.
