Teachers are increasingly using augmented reality (AR) to develop students' higher-order thinking (HOT). As past studies showed mixed results, our "random effects meta-analysis" of 21 effect sizes from 17 studies of 1256 participants determined the overall effect of AR on HOT and accounted for differences across studies via moderator…

Role-playing using avatars has been demonstrated as effective, but it has not been compared to role-playing with a live actor. In this study, undergraduate psychology students (N=93) conducted a clinical interview in a role-play with an avatar or live actor. Mixed methods included a survey and written reflection. The study found no differences in…

This dissertation investigates how early career teachers' orientations of students and their mathematical activity, as surfaced their experience in a simulation, can reveal when their well-intentioned decisions might negatively impact traditionally underserved students. Three early career teachers engaged in two online simulations where they could…

The concept of the Metaverse, viewed as the ultimate manifestation of the Internet, has gained significant attention due to rapid advances in technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain. Acting as a bridge between the physical and virtual worlds, the Metaverse has the potential to offer remarkable experiences to its users.…

Augmented Reality (AR) technologies allow for holograms to be layered over the real-world, "augmenting" human vision by adding technical information or illustrations onto 3D space. Although AR-based applications are showing positive effects in many systematic reviews and meta-analyses, well-designed, rigorous studies with strong control…

Basketball tactical patterns are typically taught using tools such as 2D tactical boards. Rapid decision-making in a team depends on the ability to connect two-dimensional (2D) third-person positions with three-dimensional (3D) first-person perspectives. This study develops a support system that offers a virtual environment to enhance the…

Anatomy forms the foundation for the training and execution of routine surgical procedures. However, a gap persists in effectively bridging anatomical knowledge with the confident performance of procedures. Virtual simulation (VS) techniques, based on experiential and situated learning theory, hold promise in addressing this challenge.…

Dyslexia is a learning disability that significantly hinders students' abilities to read and comprehend educational materials, posing a substantial challenge within educational environments. This paper introduces an innovative educational system, ReadSmart, that integrates both Augmented Reality (AR) and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)…

Climate change is a nuanced global issue with a scope that is often difficult to fully appreciate. This study examined an undergraduate course focused on the impacts and responses to climate change on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, USA. The course utilized a socioscientific issues (SSI) approach to examine global climate change in a local…

The exponential growth of online learning has catalyzed significant pedagogical innovations and transformed the educational landscape. This paper explores the emerging trends in online learning, including the shift towards blended learning, the rise of personalized learning, and the integration of technology-enhanced pedagogical practices. The…

Learning Cell Biology is challenging for both sighted and visually impaired students due to its abstract nature and reliance on bidimensional depictions in textbooks, which often fail to capture the biological complexity of cell structures and functions. To implement inclusive learning environments and address the shortage of learning materials…

As an effective teaching method, digital storytelling has gained significant prominence in the field of education in recent years. In contemporary digital storytelling instruction, stories are often presented through interactive whiteboards, computers, smartphones, or tablets. The introduction of immersive virtual reality (IVR) technology makes…

The initial learning experience is a critical opportunity to support conceptual understanding of abstract STEM concepts. Although hands-on activities and physical three-dimensional models are beneficial, they are seldom utilized and are replaced increasingly by digital simulations and laboratory exercises presented on touchscreen tablet computers.…

Despite growing interest in the inclusion of virtual reality (VR) in medical education, its full potential for immersive and interactive training remains underutilized, particularly in dermatology. As part of a multidisciplinary project, we tested the feasibility of integrating a VR training scenario for a complete skin cancer screening into the…

This study presents the development of a student-centric framework for utilizing virtual reality (VR) technologies in education, specifically focusing on enhancing computational thinking skills. While numerous frameworks exist in this domain, they often lack consideration of student preferences, which are integral for fostering learner autonomy.…