Latent growth models (LGMs) are an application of structural equation modeling and frequently used in developmental and clinical research to analyze change over time in longitudinal outcomes. Maximum likelihood (ML), the most common approach for estimating LGMs, can fail to converge or may produce biased estimates in complex LGMs especially in…

The paper discusses a certain type of competitions based on distance interaction of a participant with simulation models of concepts from discrete mathematics and computer science. One of them is the "Construct, Test, Explore" (CTE) competition, developed by the authors, the other is the Olympiad in Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical…

A new index of item discrimination power (IDP), dimension-corrected Somers' D (D2) is proposed. Somers' D is one of the superior alternatives for item-total- (Rit) and item-rest correlation (Rir) in reflecting the real IDP with items with scales 0/1 and 0/1/2, that is, up to three categories. D also reaches the extreme value +1 and -1 correctly…

Although item response theory (IRT) models such as the bifactor, two-tier, and between-item-dimensionality IRT models have been devised to confirm complex dimensional structures in educational and psychological data, they can be challenging to use in practice. The reason is that these models are multidimensional IRT (MIRT) models and thus are…

The use of computerized adaptive testing algorithms for ranking items (e.g., college preferences, career choices) involves two major challenges: unacceptably high computation times (selecting from a large item pool with many dimensions) and biased results (enhanced preferences or intensified examinee responses because of repeated statements across…

Learning standards for K-12 science education emphasize the importance of engaging students in practices that scientists perform in their profession. K-12 teachers are expected to engage students in scientific modeling, which entails constructing, testing, evaluating, and revising their own models of science phenomena while pursuing an epistemic…

This research examined correlation estimates between latent abilities when using the two-dimensional and three-dimensional compensatory and noncompensatory item response theory models. Simulation study results showed that the recovery of the latent correlation was best when the test contained 100% of simple structure items for all models and…

Interpersonal distance (IPD) is a simple social regulation metric which is altered in autism. We performed a stop-distance paradigm to evaluate IPD regulation in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and control groups in a real versus a virtual environment mimicking in detail the real one. We found a bimodal pattern of IPDs only in ASD. Both groups…

Different virtual chemistry laboratories (VCLs) have been developed with which students can perform and practice their practical and experimental work, thus increasing their learning before performing the same work in a real chemistry laboratory. In this paper, we present an analysis of the existing virtual chemistry laboratories by identifying…

The primary objective of this paper is to offer a new way of understanding the creative processes of multidisciplinary groups, whose work is to generate innovative ideas. The paper reports from a project focused on organizational creativity at the group level, investigating what characterized such creative processes in that context. This project…

Simulation-based learning environments are used extensively to support learning in complex business systems. Nevertheless, studies show that subjects have great difficulty in understanding and managing dynamic systems, mainly due to cognitive processing difficulties. Previous research has addressed some aspects of model transparency and…

From computational and scientific viewpoints, virtual reality (VR) is a well-researched technology, platform, and mode of communication. However, from an arts perspective, virtual reality has very few, if any, defined parameters as an artistic medium. This study aims to explore the technical affordances and the experiential and creative phenomena…

Learning practices and crosscutting concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects pose challenges to young learners. Without external support to foster long-term interest and scaffold learning, children might lose interest in STEM subjects. While prior research has investigated how Augmented Reality(AR) may enhance…

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of mindfulness coaching on preservice teachers' self-efficacy and mindfulness, utilizing a mixed-reality simulation environment. Data was collected via a concurrent embedded mixed methods design. This study involved a treatment group of preservice teacher participants that received mindfulness…

This systematic review aimed to identify how tele-mentoring systems that incorporate augmented reality (AR) technology are being used in healthcare environments. A total of 12 electronic bibliographic databases were searched using the terms "augmented reality", "tele-mentoring" and "health". The PRISMA checklist was…