The purpose of this study was to analyze modes of professional development that prepare educators to deliver STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) based instruction at the elementary school level through the integration of technology. The study demonstrates the complexity and advantages of STEM centered learning which utilize…

This study used a quasi-experimental approach with a nonequivalent control group posttest-only design to examine the effectiveness of a virtual escape room on the acquisition of nursing students' knowledge related to leadership nursing content. Additionally, the study measured the students' perceptions of the escape room activity as an effective…

Augmented reality (AR) is one of the most prominent emerging technologies in the educational environment in the world and especially in the educational system in Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia claims to have enabled the use of AR and anticipates it to be utilized for educational purposes in public education, but not all…

The quality of teachers is crucial for students' learning and human development, particularly in modern multicultural classrooms and rapidly evolving environments. A key focus of teacher preparation is to transform classroom discourse and promote problem-solving skills and critical thinking. In order to foster critical thinking and facilitate…

The manuscripts in this collection expand the current research on the experience of undergraduate science students with virtual reality laboratories. A systematic literature review and synthesis involving 21 peer-reviewed empirical articles (2009-2018) revealed a dearth of theoretical and methodological approaches exploring VR Labs, which centered…

My multi-article dissertation explores the utility of immersive media like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) in design learning and education, particularly as we recover from the social, technological, and cultural disruptions caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Chapter 2 clarifies how the multiple modalities…

Nursing educators are challenged to find strategies that will develop critical thinking and clinical judgment abilities in students. As technology has advanced, the use of virtual simulation platforms has increased in use in nursing courses. This study examined the effect of a pilot virtual simulation intervention on critical thinking and clinical…

Developing models, using mathematics, and constructing explanations are three practices essential for science inquiry learning according to education reform efforts, such as the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS Lead States, 2013). However, students struggle with these intersecting practices, especially when developing and interpreting…

The research problem explored in this qualitative study was the lack of literature from the perspectives of K-12 music teachers on using virtual technology to instruct secondary concert bands. This study showed the challenges and successes experienced with the use of this technology and their impact on music teachers' overall view of using virtual…

In the discipline of nursing education, it is very important that nursing students complete their didactic and clinical education skills in order to practice as a registered nurse. It is also very important that they prepare and study to successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and become licensed as a registered nurse…

The country is facing infrastructure crises simultaneous with a labor shortage in fields related to construction management and engineering. These challenges necessitate better and quicker preparation of the incoming workforce so they are prepared to take on responsibilities with more skill and efficiency than has been expected previously.…

This dissertation investigates how embodied learning within a Mixed Reality (MR) environment supports young children's science learning, focusing on a honeybee system. To do so, I designed three types of activities within an MR environment to enable young children to assume different perspectives as they create embodied models of honeybees as…

Due to the constant migration of diverse populations, multicultural communities are developing across North America. As a result, multi-culturally diverse classrooms are multiplying (Allen et al., 2017). Our pre-service teachers must be multi-culturally prepared to enter diverse classrooms and effectively teach students without implicit bias…

Fieldwork education is a critical component in occupational therapy education, aiding in the transition from classroom learning to practical application. It has been cited recently that therapists have expressed concern regarding student preparedness for fieldwork in a hand therapy setting. Hand therapy is a specialty practice area where…

Professional development (PD) is crucial for teachers to learn about new practices, technology, and improve self-efficacy to apply these skills. This sequential explanatory mixed-method study served to explore teachers' experiences with PD and using virtual labs in the classroom. First, in the quantitative phase of the study, a survey was…