This investigation narrates how digital game playing while integrating augmented reality can help enhance higher-order thinking. Digital game playing, when referring to games played on computers, game consoles, or handhelds, can be considered a powerful learning tool in education. The central problem of this investigation lies in the fact that…

Simulation technologies are used in simulation-based education however retention of knowledge, skills, and abilities have yet to be determined. This study evolved from areas of research that do not adequately show or address measurements of retention of knowledge, skills, and abilities in the professional environments after training with…

Given the expanding field of education within medicine, the purpose of this dissertation is to introduce an augmented reality (AR) medical simulator to the medical education community. This dissertation will describe the simulator development, feasibility, and acceptability to medical students and medical trainees. The following series of studies…

The implementation of computer-based simulations by teachers in the classroom can have a significant and varied impact on students' learning outcomes and engagement. In meta-analyses of the use of computer simulation in the classroom, several studies show a significant impact on students' learning and achievement outcomes. However, the…

Virtual environments (VE) and virtual reality (VR) through head-mounted displays (HMD) have been used to test and train eye-hand coordination skills in a way that is more immersive than traditional 2D video training. As this technology continues to evolve, researchers have sought to determine the degree to which these new technologies can augment…

This quasi-experimental research study 1) explored the effectiveness of implementing a Virtual Reality CPR simulation for improving knowledge and skills on the Basic Life Support exam and 2) explored the favorability of using a CPR VR simulation for recertification as measured through a self-efficacy survey instrument. Participants included staff,…

This mixed methods research study explores the university student learning experience of IP subnetting. Using a constructivist perspective, VR software was designed, written, and utilized in a learning process to gather both quantitative and qualitative data about the experience of learning IP subnetting. Participants underwent pre-test and…

Many efforts to reform science educational standards and structure have placed an emphasis on directing learners to communicate about concepts using external representations (ERs). Techniques to develop competencies with ERs often ask learners to develop understanding outside of a physical context while concurrently making connections back to the…

This study employed a qualitative case study design to explore participants' perspective on learning STEM subjects through immersive mobile technologies. Immersive mobile learning (IML) is the learning approach that provides learners with immersive experiences and access to educational content ubiquitously using portable electronic devices.…

Developing models, using mathematics, and constructing explanations are three practices essential for science inquiry learning according to education reform efforts, such as the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS Lead States, 2013). However, students struggle with these intersecting practices, especially when developing and interpreting…

The emerging technologies of augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) may have vast implications to societal communication and representation of information. AR/VR computer interfaces are unique in that they may be placed spatially around the user in three-dimensional (3D) space; this affords new methods of both presentation and user interaction with…

This study was designed to identify the impact of virtual reality (VR) and the virtual reality learning environment (VRLE) on the assessment outcomes of students in a middle school life sciences unit of study. The experiment was a quantitative 2 x 3 repeated measure mixed group quasi-experimental design with three variables. The two independent…

The purpose of this quantitative, quasi-experimental study was to determine if there was a significant difference in university students' learning motivation as measured by attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction, before and after augmented reality (AR) enhanced instruction, as measured by the instructional materials motivation survey…

Despite an extensive amount of research examining students' perceptions of alternative laboratory experiences, little focus has been aimed at the perceptions of adult learners. This two-phase mixed-methods study investigated the preferred at-home laboratory experience, and the factors that played a significant role in the user experiences, of…

The subject of chemistry is a cornerstone of high school science programs and a conceptual understanding of chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier's Principle continues to be both a fundamental and paradoxically difficult subject for educators and students. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a prototype immersive virtual reality environment.…