Intelligent learning environments can be designed to support the development of learners' cognitive skills, strategies, and metacognitive processes as they work on complex decision-making and problem-solving tasks. However, the complexity of the tasks may impede the progress of novice learners. Providing adaptive feedback to learners who face…

The use of augmented reality (AR) in vocational education and training can still be considered as being in its infancy, although interest in it is growing in response both to its potential for teaching and its adoption as a practical tool in various industry sectors. One example of early-stage AR use is illustrated from a practicum for training…

The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York City implemented a science-based curriculum pairing augmented reality (AR) with a student-designed escape room experience to support astronomy learning. AR has the potential to simplify complex systems into digestible concepts. Designing an escape room experience provided students with an…

This article contrasts the normal method for drawing Lewis structures with a two-step systematic approach. The latter approach uses a known molecular connectivity and a knowledge of the number of valence electrons that each atom possesses to visualize bonds that are formed by pairing electrons, one from each atom. This process is repeated until at…

Item analysis is an integral part of operational test development and is typically conducted within two popular statistical frameworks: classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT). In this digital ITEMS module, Hanwook Yoo and Ronald K. Hambleton provide an accessible overview of operational item analysis approaches within these…

In this article we describe how mobile devices enable immersive learning experiences. Expensive Head Mounted Displays (HMDs) are a thing of the past, as even inexpensive alternatives in combination with a smartphone make it possible to immerse oneself in virtual worlds. Learners then take these worlds as realistic, which can lead to cognitively…

Virtual reality (VR) has garnered increasing attention as a pedagogical tool for language learning. Yet, despite the many affordances of using virtual reality learning environments (VRLEs), there remains a paucity of research investigating the use of VRLEs for English for academic purposes (EAP). While BALEAP '19 conference presentations related…

COVID-19 has changed about every aspect of life including how we teach in higher education. Laboratory experiments vital for learning hands-on techniques are limited due to social distancing requirements and increased numbers of distance-learning students. The solution to loss of hands-on activities has been to compensate with virtual laboratory…

ICT based pedagogy plays a vital role in making school science more relevant, exciting and motivating for students, and it offers opportunities to dissolve the boundaries between school and society. ICT has become a powerful tool that has revolutionised the work of scientists. It is now possible to handle more critical data, and more complex…

Through the implementation of the free website/smartphone application Sketchfab, we have found a simple means to introduce 3D visual tools into the chemistry classroom. Sketchfab stores 3D models and animations with free cross-platform accessibility. Blender is a free 3D modeling tool that has been used to prepare models and animations for…

An introduction to digital stochastic simulations for modeling a variety of physical and chemical processes is presented. Despite the importance of stochastic simulations in chemistry, the prevalence of turn-key software solutions can impose a layer of abstraction between the user and the underlying approach obscuring the methodology being…

Virtual images are often introduced through a "geometric" perspective, with little conceptual or qualitative illustrations, hindering a deeper understanding of this physical concept. In this paper, we present two rather simple observations that force a critical reflection on the optical nature of a virtual image. This approach is…

A new program, ECEP2D, for simulating the one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) patterns of the gel electrophoresis of a protein after it has been digested by one or more enzymes is introduced. With ECEP2D, students can gain deeper insights into gel electrophoresis by performing hands-on simulations. For example, students can visualize how…

Augmented Reality (AR) has been used in various contexts in recent years in order to enhance user experiences in mobile and wearable devices. Various studies have shown the utility of AR, especially in the field of education, where it has been observed that learning results are improved. However, such applications require specialized teams of…

Pandemic-related lockdowns and school closures took education into the virtual sphere. Hence, educators of all grades had to adapt to the challenges of remote learning by including digital tools in their teaching strategies. The global pandemic added a mandatory digital layer to the task of motivating students. Education technologies (edtech) and…