Simulation technologies are used in simulation-based education however retention of knowledge, skills, and abilities have yet to be determined. This study evolved from areas of research that do not adequately show or address measurements of retention of knowledge, skills, and abilities in the professional environments after training with…

Makerspaces can support educational experiences in prototyping for young learners, while physical computing platforms enable high levels of creativity and expression. However, each of these have high barriers of entry, especially for youth without prior experience. Commercial microcontrollers have become a popular tool to use when designing both…

The purpose of this exploratory study was to gain insight into the perceived importance of emotional awareness with pre-service teachers (PSTs) participating in a mixed reality simulator (MRS), as well as the impact of emotional awareness exercises in a MRS on adaptiveness in coping and empathy. Emotional awareness includes the cognitive skills of…

Recent research shows that deaf signers show increased behavioral and neural sensitivity to certain types of movement, such as biological motion, human actions, and signing avatars. However, other work suggests that in deaf signers exposed to signed language before age five, the mirror mechanism has minimal involvement during the perception of…

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…

Background: PPE training is essential to prevent transmission of infections or autoinoculation of infections among healthcare providers and patients. Student nurses play a vital role in infection control practices to protect themselves and patients from transmittable infections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an innovative teaching and…

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive case study was to explore how recent nursing graduates understand and describe their online clinical experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine perceptions of the impact on their preparedness for transitioning into professional practice. The problem addressed was the closure of clinical sites to…

With virtual reality (VR) tools becoming increasingly prevalent in K-12 schools today, educators now possess the means to transport students to digitally simulated times and places without ever leaving the classroom. However, current application of this experiential technology is in its nascent stage and subsequent research is often limited to…

Interacting with objects in virtual reality can be an exciting experience. Haptic feedback allows virtual environments to appear more immersive. Does this increased immersion bear the potential to enhance learning if used properly in educational VR environments? This dissertation pursued two goals. First, to investigate the relationship between…

This dissertation, utilizing a mixed-methods approach within a design-based research (DBR) framework, investigated the impact of augmented reality (AR) technology on the self-efficacy of preservice elementary teachers (PSTs) in integrated STEM teaching and technology. Incorporating both a pilot study and a subsequent dissertation study, the…

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…

Advances in technology, non-traditional students, and a new generation of e-learners all challenge institutions of higher learning to support innovations that create relevant distance education opportunities for their students. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic dramatic shifts to education occurred, requiring schools of social work to consider new ways…

Integrating technology in education has shown to revolutionize the teaching and learning process in STEM education. It therefore becomes imperative that STEM teachers are skilled and well equipped to use technology in their classrooms. Professional development programs can serve as great channels for teachers to develop their technological…

The purpose of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of virtual reality as a creative adaptive learning tool to help participants control their perceived stress and, in turn, their psychological well-being. The study leveraged humanistic learning theory to conceptualize findings. 353 participants were recruited from five high schools…