The metaverse offers unique opportunities for K-12 students to learn STEM subjects in online and blended settings, providing interactive and authentic experiences. Although previous studies have produced mixed findings on the influence of the metaverse on perceptions and academic achievement of online and blended STEM learning, it is necessary to…

The pursuit of improved patient outcomes through the evolution in medical education is ongoing. Traditional, didactic learning methods are still utilized as a primary modality throughout medical learning (Newman & Lattouf, 2020). To address deficits in understanding and retention of learning material, experiential learning methods are…

Beginning abruptly in the second half of the Spring 2020 semester at Purdue University, we modified our teaching approach in Introductory Soil Science and Forest Soils courses (AGRY 255/270) with a combined annual enrollment of [approximately]370 students to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. In that semester, we went to entirely virtual lecture,…

Effective professional development (PD) is crucial for enhancing teacher instruction and student achievement. This Spotlight explores innovative approaches to PD that prioritize teacher needs and foster meaningful learning experiences. From hybrid PD models to teacher-led initiatives and on-demand online courses, these articles offer valuable…

Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) are becoming commonplace in Higher Education. Amongst the latest VLE developments is the design and use of Virtual Microscopes (VMs) that allow for viewing and manipulation of online images by multiple students. Although students are found to be generally satisfied with the use of VMs, it is yet not known what…

This volume is intended as an argument for honors education in online spaces--an opportunity to demonstrate how courses and programming can operate virtually while maintaining the rigor, innovation, and community on which honors education prides itself. Online honors courses may not have been the most popular, but those invested in that work knew…

Blended learning sets solid foundations for the utilization of educational technology in authentic student learning experiences within traditional educational contexts as well as in distance education. The author introduces an integrated and distributed model of blended learning, utilizing educational technology for authentic student learning…

As a result of COVID-19, teacher preparation institutions scrambled to change face-to-face delivery of coursework to various online approaches (e.g., synchronous, asynchronous). This special issues brief is the second in the series released by the Collaboration for Effective Educator Development, Accountability and Reform (CEEDAR Center). Both…

This study attempted to examine whether academic performance of pre-service teachers (PST) in virtual field experiences was the same as that of their peers in the previous semester who had regular face-to-face field experiences. Data for this study included PST' scores in three course sections in the Spring 2020 semester at a mid-size public…

In order to effectively use emerging digital educational technologies educators should reflect on how these technologies influence student learning, including student creativity. Existing research shows that creativity can be supported by emerging technologies, but recent research in this area has not yet been reviewed. The purpose of our…

Online learning has become a standard in today's teaching environment whether teaching fully online or using a blended learning approach. Various kinds of emerging technologies such as Virtual Reality are continually evolving or being developed, and educators are required to keep up with this trend. Educators are required to create and teach…

The theoretical frameworks explicitly or implicitly employed by diplomatic historians and international relations scholars can lead to significantly different explanations for the same historical events. Therefore, a sound understanding of the basic international relations theories is required for a more comprehensive understanding of…

This paper discusses the history of the instructional design and technology field in four major time periods: (1) 1900s-1930s, (2) World War II-1970s, (3) 1980s-1990s, and (4) 21st century. Since the 20th century has been discussed in detail in earlier works, this paper puts more focus on the 21st century section, which includes discussions of…

Underrepresented students enrolled in postsecondary educational institutions in the U.S. are faced with key barriers and challenges that have created an equity gap. By considering the needs of underrepresented students, faculty and institutions are able to implement digital course ware solutions to take a step towards closing the equity gap and…

Technical education programs in community colleges prepare students for many science and engineering-based jobs in the United States. An increasing number of technical education programs in community colleges are using online learning tools to teach courses. However, little is currently known about the ways these programs are integrating online…