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…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of time in Mixed-Reality Simulations (MRS) on anxiety levels and coping for pre-service teachers (PSTs). A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was utilized for this study. The quantitative portion of the study used a convenience sample of 10 PSTs enrolled in one of two practice-based…

As virtual reality (VR) becomes more commonly used in education, it is important to understand the technology's weakness and mitigate any potential negative effects on student success. One adverse side-effect of VR use is simulation-induced motion sickness, known in the context of VR as VR sickness. Previous research by Howard and Van Zandt (2021)…

This study presents the results of two studies using a virtual reality (VR) public-speaking training simulation as an instructional aid in a basic communication course. Results from the first study suggest that VR practice was associated with higher subsequent speech delivery grades in the course compared to no practice. However, VR practice did…

With a recent interest in virtual reality, educators have begun to explore how using technology can mitigate feelings of Foreign Language Anxiety, or FLA. For this dissertation, the author has co-created a virtual reality conversation scenario to test with novice and intermediate-level Spanish students at the University of Wyoming. The research…

Research has noted that virtual reality (VR) environments can lessen language learners' foreign language anxiety (FLA). However, previous research has relied primarily on participants' qualitative opinions, leading to a lack of studies empirically assessing how VR impacts anxiety and, consequently, second language (L2) oral production. This pilot…

This study considers if the 360° video Virtual Reality (VR) environment is a less stressful alternative to giving actual presentations, and thus better able to support the development of the presentation skills of teacher candidates. Mixed method research was conducted in which 12 teacher candidates gave an average of 5 minutes of presentations on…

Anatomy is fundamental to medical disciplines. However, its complexity can be challenging to learners, and traditional anatomy teaching may not be easily accessible. Virtual Reality has the potential to supplement anatomy education, but its effectiveness depends on students' willingness to accept it. This study aimed to measure students'…

The ability to communicate effectively is a crucial aspect of education. For college students, learning how to speak in public is essential for their academic and professional future. However, many students report fear of speaking in public, the so-called Public Speaking Anxiety (PSA). This study aims to implement a training program using Virtual…

The integration of augmented reality (AR) and game-based learning could increase interaction in educational games and provide more learning guidance in higher education courses. This study developed an AR educational board game that featured cognitive scaffolding, immediate feedback, and collaborative interaction. The study also analyzed and…

Public speaking often imposes a nerve-wracking atmosphere in the L2 classrooms. Consequently, an alternative to the anxiety-arousing activity by using advanced technology for pedagogy is urgent. Prior publications reported the use of virtual reality (VR) for training public speaking and alleviating students' public speaking anxiety (PSA). However,…

Computer-based simulations are highly effective in supporting students' deep conceptual understanding of scientific ideas. However, in the unprecedented era of the COVID-19 outbreak, students around the world experienced an induced state anxiety, which may have affected their engagement with the learning environments and ultimately their academic…

Recent research indicates that the majority of postsecondary students in North America "feel overwhelming anxiety," an issue that has also been observed in many other regions and is negatively impacting students' academic performance and overall well-being. This article reports the results of our interdisciplinary analysis of innovative…

The purpose of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of virtual reality as a creative adaptive learning tool to help participants control their perceived stress and, in turn, their psychological well-being. The study leveraged humanistic learning theory to conceptualize findings. 353 participants were recruited from five high schools…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of virtual reality on undergraduate students' self-efficacy, self-concept, interest, and laboratory anxiety in an introductory chemistry course. We used a mixed-methods approach to improve our understanding of how these factors mediate student learning. The findings showed that (i) the use of…