The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of virtual reality (VR) and emotionally resonant videos on knowledge retention for adult learners at a contractor safety training organization supporting the energy industry. The intent of this research was to determine if traditional computer-based training (CBT) can be made more…

In the three papers that form this dissertation, I inquire about the future of learning (Ross, 2023) through a "postdigital" stance (Jandric, 2017) that I apply to place-based education (PBE) methods and practices (Sobel, 2005; Greenwood, 2008). I argue that a postdigital approach -- one that presupposes technology is "part" of…

This study examines the impact of High-Immersion Virtual Reality (HiVR) as a tool for teaching English L2 pragmatics to international students enrolled in an Intensive English Program at a US university. This research focuses on integrating HiVR into explicit L2 pragmatics instructional treatments. A quasi-experimental design was employed to…

Effectively mastering organic chemistry means having the ability to recognize structural patterns, identify properties or behaviors as a result of patterns, manipulate and transform representations, and predict future outcomes. Often students rely on rote memorization of seemingly disconnected information instead of developing a sound…

Nursing education is facing challenging demands today with the NextGen NCLEX scheduled for release in Spring 2023, updated American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials, and distance learning due to COVID-19. This dissertation examines the effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on nursing students as education was disrupted just prior…

Simulation has been recognized as a teaching, learning, evaluation, and research strategy based on learning theories, that has come to play a significant role in healthcare education (Beal et al., 2017; La Cerra et al., 2019). Health-related academic programs in higher education have traditionally used simulation to fill gaps in learning and…

In-person field education through exploration is fundamental in geoscience, but equal access is limited by time, cost, safety, distance, physical ability, and instructor variability. Technology advances allow students to explore pedagogically rich but inaccessible places through virtual field trips (VFTs). Studies show that VFTs result in…

Experiential learning exercises, such as field trips, are a common pedagogical practice in geoscience curriculums. Their purpose is to facilitate the transfer of knowledge gained in a classroom or lab setting into a field setting, but can be considered a barrier for entry into the geosciences for those with disabilities, caregiver/employment…

This qualitative descriptive study explored nursing faculty perceptions and experiences using vSim for Nursing computer-based virtual simulation. The research questions guiding this study were: 1) What are nurse educators' perceptions and experiences utilizing vSim for Nursing computer-based virtual simulation? 2) What are the best practices nurse…

This purpose of this multiple article dissertation was to explore clinical reasoning in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students using a computer-based simulation. The first article, is a systematic literature review, examining the use of technology-enhanced simulation in physical therapy (PT) education. Sixteen articles met the inclusion…

Virtual Reality and education have been evolving for many years, moving from in-person classroom and online sessions to utilizing Virtual reality for training. Virtual reality allows students to actively engage with training rather than being passive in a classroom. The virtual world has been moving forward as a new tool to assist with…

A challenge for the virtual reality (VR) industry is facing is that VR is not immersive enough to make people feel a genuine sense of presence: the low frame rate leads to dizziness and the lack of human body visualization limits the human-computer interaction. In this dissertation, I present our research on enhancing visual and gestural fidelity…

Simulation based training (SBT) has allowed for improvement of clinical skills by providing practical experience of performing surgical procedures without the risk of harming patients. Performance assessment of learners during SBT has proved to be effective in improving psycho-motor skills, encouraging active learning and in-turn increasing…

The problem addressed through this study was that the combination of student anxiety towards patients with mental health conditions along with their unpreparedness for exercising active listening, empathy, and self-awareness in clinical situations created a barrier to achieving therapeutic nurse-patient relationships in Psychiatric-Mental Health…

Computer-based learning environments (CBLEs) have emerged as powerful tools to support K-12 science learning. The Gas Laws simulation, an interactive, online CBLE, has been empirically demonstrated to support high-school students' understanding of particle theory, generally. However, a sub-analysis of existing data suggested certain embedded…