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 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…

Virtual reality can be used to enhance education, especially in the remote context. Cross-reality interfaces can be useful for users who wish to access shared virtual spaces from different devices. Emotion recognition can then be used to supplement the lost non-verbal cues and allow teachers to address students in need. We introduce several types…

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…

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…

Embodied cognition posits that physical interactions with the environment play a crucial role in learning, including complex, abstract concepts in STEM disciplines. This is relevant for deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) learners who often utilize sign language, which is a naturally embodied, visuospatial mode of communication. My dissertation…

This dissertation used three independent studies to evaluate learning adaptations, techniques, and tools in response to COVID-19. Study 1 provides a personal narrative about COVID-10 and school closures. The first-hand reflection explores technologies used for remote education and how the technologies can improve learning experiences. Study 2 is a…

Collaboration is an essential skill for a special education teacher's (SETs) success in developing individualized education programs (IEPs) to ensure that students with disabilities have access to equal educational opportunities. Collaboration occurs when members of an inclusive learning community work together as equals to meet a student's…

Field experiences are regarded as the most effective way to prepare future teachers to be ready for the complexity and challenges found in the teaching profession (Phillion et al., 2005). Ill-prepared teachers may fail to gain fully from field experiences if they are not well prepared or do not value the activity as an out of class task (Hixon…

Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) have been undergoing a quantum leap in foreign language training applications. Department of Defense (DoD) military and civilian linguists have traditionally been reluctant to speak the target language in Defense Language Institute (DLI) and National Cryptologic School (NCS) language enhancement classes. This…

Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) have been undergoing a quantum leap in foreign language training applications. Department of Defense (DoD) military and civilian linguists have traditionally been reluctant to speak the target language in Defense Language Institute (DLI) and National Cryptologic School (NCS) language enhancement classes. This…

Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) have been undergoing a quantum leap in foreign language training applications. Department of Defense (DoD) military and civilian linguists have traditionally been reluctant to speak the target language in Defense Language Institute (DLI) and National Cryptologic School (NCS) language enhancement classes. This…

An Evaluation of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Training and Education of Air Force Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Airmen Trident University International 2021 This Doctoral Study evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the training of U.S. Air Force (USAF) Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)…

The presence of Animated Pedagogical Agents (APAs) in education is increasing day-by-day. They are being used in online courses as well as research studies. Therefore, there is a need to study ways in which lectures can quickly be created using APAs. Gestures are an inseparable part of an APA's communication with users. Gestures generated…

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a treatment package consisting of video and reflection, video feedback, and coaching on pre-service teachers' use of nonverbal immediacy behaviors as they delivered lessons to student avatars in mixed reality simulations. Pre-service teachers delivered lessons at three points of time over the…