As the number of STEM opportunities and the need for a scientifically literate society increases, educators in STEM fields require tools that help support these needs. Chemistry is one STEM content area that would benefit from exploring educational technology that supports conceptual understanding. An action research study was conducted to…

Augmented reality (AR) is an emergent technology beginning to be integrated into many disciplines such as engineering, architecture, and medical fields for educational purposes. The present study builds on a pilot study conducted in the spring of 2022 exploring how AR can be employed in Environmental Education (EE) by providing just-in-time…

This study investigates the role of Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) in facilitating Transformative Experiences (TE) and enhancing everyday engagement with learning. Using the Teaching for Transformative Experiences in Science (TTES) model, this research integrates IVR's unique affordances--presence and agency--to examine how immersive learning…

This study explores the relationship between perceived authenticity and cognitive engagement within authentic learning environments, a topic that has garnered increasing attention in educational research and practice. While previous studies have linked authenticity and engagement to improved academic outcomes, there remains a gap in understanding…

Although virtual reality (VR) is commonly used in science classes, for example, to enable students to do simulated human dissections and other medical procedures, research on the use of VR as a learning tool in the humanities, more specifically the literature classroom, are few. This grounded theory study sought to understand better the use of VR…

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…

Both fashion design and education are areas where new technologies can have a significant impact. This dissertation examines the potential of virtual reality (VR) for fashion design education and focused on the profound affordances that virtual reality offers - immersion and agency. Using a phenomenological approach, the study combined arts-based…

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…

The use of Virtual Reality (VR) as an educational tool is gaining attention due to its potential to provide immersive and authentic learning experiences. However, most schools cannot afford to provide individual access to VR, making VR-mediated group learning a promising solution for those with limited access to educational resources. Despite its…

The integration of Social Emotional Learning into the secondary curriculum is recognized globally as an important set of skills to have, especially since the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of combining these skills within a virtual reality program is to engage and enhance the experience the students have learning the new skills.…

Classroom engagement is critical to academic success for high school students (Marks, 2000). Increasing student classroom engagement can improve academic performance and student self-confidence (Reeve, 2013). This study aims to determine how student classroom engagement is impacted by the use of immersive virtual reality (VR) video. This study…

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.…

This dissertation is to explore the academic efficacy and relevance of two comparatively new technologies, video games and Virtual Reality (VR), how they relate to an older cultural phenomenon, theater, and how a discussion of both topics can result in a better understanding of how to supply students in the classroom with the chance to improve…

This research study examined the implementation of an extended reality (XR) lab on a community college campus to facilitate student and faculty access to immersive learning resources. The study, conducted during one skills day, involved 46 students and was designed to understand if integrating immersive VR into emergency medical technician (EMT)…

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…