The purpose of this three-article dissertation is to better understand the role emerging technologies are playing in learning. This dissertation explores tools on a spectrum of reality from fully immersive virtual reality (VR), semi-immersive VR, non-immersive VR, augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and extended reality (XR). Three studies…

For a century, AERA has had as its mission using research to improve K-12 and higher education practices. Born in a period of reform, the Association's mission--reformist both in spirit and the letter--has been articulated time and again by its elected presidents. As different reform movements have swept across U.S. schools, as demographics and…

A panel discussion on the influence of Paul Goodman, known for his brilliant attacks on American education. (Ed.)

Categorizes researchers as tinkers, tailors, soldiers, and spies and discusses how each group contributes to the improvement of science education. Tinkers direct attention to content of children's minds; tailors focus on cognitive processes and development; spies consider classroom interactions; and soldiers believe best solutions come from those…

During the past decade there has been increasing public and political acceptance of the utility of inquiry and inquiry-related activities for bringing about educational improvement. Specifically, educational research, development, diffusion, and evaluation (RDDE) have been singled out as essential activities. This document presents the report of a…

The teacher-researcher split must be overcome to help improve schools and instruction. Research and practice integration will involve attitudinal changes accomplished through specific activities to increase teacher reflection, familiarity with the knowledge base, inquiry, and collegiality. Researchers, teacher-training institutions, and school…

The role of institutional research is expanding and gaining in importance. Institutional research must fully examine and criticize the institution, including its purpose and values. Institutional research officers must concern themselves with academic and administrative functions and processes and participate actively in the planning and…

Much institutional research is carried out at great cost but has little continued impact on institutions of higher education. Some of the barriers to the effective use of research and the experience of institutional research at the Open University of Great Britain are discussed. (JMD)

The mission of the Far West Consortium for DD&E training is to design, develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive and transportable training program to meet the demand for trained personnel in educational development, dissemination, and evaluation (DD&E). The program provides both preservice training and continuing education to upgrade those…

The Center for Learning and Development (CLD) at McGill University offers services and support to faculty in matters of course design, development, and evaluation. It serves as a resource center providing literature, consultations, and workshops on new developments in educational theory. CLD members research contemporary issues in education, and…

The organization and role of higher education research and development units (HERDUs) are described, and international perspectives on educational development theory and practices are examined. Factors constraining educational development operations in HERDUs are discussed, and recommendations for addressing current concerns are offered. (MSE)

Isolated research conducted by federal agencies or individual researchers is not as effective in implementing educational improvement as a well-integrated program among government, theoretical researchers, and local schools. In order to reduce federal intervention in local school affairs, federal agencies should work cooperatively with…

Argues that a combination of communication difficulties and differing agendas hamper educational endeavors between social science researchers and educators. Recommends creating formal positions at the state or local level to facilitate linking basic and applied research to educational policy. (MJP)

Provides a concise overview of the role of the federal government in educational statistics and research. Although the scale and methodologies of these projects have increased in size and complexity, federal educational statistical research has never become a significant force in educational reform. (MJP)

Explores the relationship between educational theory and practice by describing the following three categories in an expanded view of scholarly activity in education: (1) studying school improvement programs; (2) creating new ways of taking action on new knowledge; and (3) building new collaborative structures between schools and universities.…