Embodied cognition posits that physical interactions with the environment play a crucial role in learning, including complex, abstract concepts in STEM disciplines. This is relevant for deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) learners who often utilize sign language, which is a naturally embodied, visuospatial mode of communication. My dissertation…

Background: Autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy are prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders. Autistic individuals or individuals with cerebral palsy often struggle with sensory processing that further impacts movement execution. Immersive virtual reality (VR) is a promising assessment and intervention modality to promote motor learning in…

This dissertation used three independent studies to evaluate learning adaptations, techniques, and tools in response to COVID-19. Study 1 provides a personal narrative about COVID-10 and school closures. The first-hand reflection explores technologies used for remote education and how the technologies can improve learning experiences. Study 2 is a…

This research study focuses on providing professional development for teachers using virtual reality in secondary social studies classrooms. Literature surrounding virtual reality for education focuses on the effects of virtual reality on student motivation and engagement. However, there are no current studies available to help instructional…

Classroom engagement is critical to academic success for high school students (Marks, 2000). Increasing student classroom engagement can improve academic performance and student self-confidence (Reeve, 2013). This study aims to determine how student classroom engagement is impacted by the use of immersive virtual reality (VR) video. This study…

The construction industry has struggled with a disappointing safety record, with workers often failing to identify hazards on construction sites. While virtual reality (VR) training has shown promise in improving hazard recognition skills, it is essential to address not only the ability to identify hazards but also the factors influencing workers'…

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…

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…

Practice is a vital component of teacher preparation. Mixed Reality Simulation (MRS) is a technology that provides teacher candidates opportunities for practice and rehearsal. As of 2021, MRS can be found in just 52 of the estimated 1,200 teacher preparation programs nationwide. Within the Diffusion of Innovation theory, these programs are…

My dissertation examined the effect of adaptive prompts in virtual reality (VR) based social skills training on social skills of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In my dissertation, adaptive prompts refer to an instructional technique to enhance social skill performance of children with ASD considering their emotional states. Despite…

Virtual surgical simulation has not been used as a measure of success in surgical technology course completion. The purpose of this study was to determine to what degree virtual surgical simulation contributed to student success, as measured by course completion grades in two southeast Pennsylvania surgical technology programs. Kolb's experiential…

The purpose of this quantitative correlational design dissertation was to determine if, and to what extent, a relationship existed between Advanced Joint Terminal Attack Control Training System (AJTS) users' perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and intention to use AJTS. AJTS is a virtual reality simulation-based training system. Three…

This study employed a qualitative case study design to explore participants' perspective on learning STEM subjects through immersive mobile technologies. Immersive mobile learning (IML) is the learning approach that provides learners with immersive experiences and access to educational content ubiquitously using portable electronic devices.…

Emerging technologies in the classroom are paving the way towards high-quality, hands-on distance learning. Augmented Reality (AR), which overlays virtual information into the physical world, provides a promising solution for the development and delivery of collaborative educational content. Frameworks such as ARkit, ARCore, have enabled AR…