Background: The importance of spatial abilities for individuals' success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) domains has been well established. Researchers have also emphasized the need to train engineering students in spatial ability. Although virtual reality (VR) offers prospects for training spatial abilities, research…

Computer-based simulation is utilised across various educational fields, employing diverse technologies to facilitate practical understanding of content and the acquisition of skills that can help close the gap between theory and practice. The possibility of providing scenarios that resemble on-the-job tasks, enables instructors to both train and…

Contextual shifts are crucial for episodic memory, setting event boundaries during event segmentation. While lab research provides insights, it often lacks the complexity of real-world experiences. We addressed this gap by examining perceptual and conceptual boundaries using virtual reality (VR). Participants acted as salespeople, interacting with…

Virtual reality (VR) has become a promising tool for enhancing social skills in special education, K-12 education, and post-secondary education. However, there is a lack of comprehensive meta-analyses examining the effectiveness of VR social skills training and the factors that moderate its efficacy. In this study, a meta-analysis approach was…

Spatial navigation relies on extracting environmental information to determine where to go. To support navigation behavior, navigational aids, such as maps, compasses, or global positioning systems (GPSs), offer access to easily extractible information, but do these aids enhance spatial memory? Here, we propose the hypothesis that navigation aids…

3D visualization tools have been developed to assist in the anatomical learning of medical students, but the evidence on the effectiveness of these tools is inconsistent. Conventional 3D materials are often displayed on 2D screens, which can limit their educational impact. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the presentation of 3D learning…

This paper explores the potential of new, technology enriched teaching simulations (Simulations) to support learning. Using the principles of evidence-centered design (ECD; Mislevy et al., Measurement: Interdisciplinary Research and Perspectives. 1:3-62, 2003), we provide a roadmap for the design of: (a) simulation-based assessments (SBAs) and (b)…

Cognitive maps are mental representations of space essential for guiding spatial behavior. To assess the properties of these cognitive maps, sketch mapping has been widely used as a research tool in spatial cognition research. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the methodologies and the cognitive processes concerning…

This case study reports on the perceptions and dialogic behaviors of 15 preservice K-12 teachers engaging in simulation-based teaching practice with AI-powered student agents. Data included transcripts of text-based classroom dialogue, interviews, observations, and conversation logs. Using mixed-methods analyses and a framework of ambitious…

In recent years, simulations in education and teaching were done within simulation centers. They are a powerful tool for having a particular professional experience in a controlled and safe environment. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, simulations have been conducted fully online. Therefore, the current study examined the effect of simulation…

Recent reports indicate the national principal attrition rate is at an all-time high. Scholars suggest a lack of responsive professional development as a leading factor in why principals leave the field. Further, the pandemic has exposed daily uncertainties for school leaders as they navigate new territory, bringing forth new considerations in how…

The transfer of macrocognitive skills from digital training environments into physical performance is a central challenge in high-stakes domains such as healthcare, manufacturing, and defense industries. This meta-analysis synthesizes 111 studies published between 2000 and 2025, including 47 quantitative analyses, to examine how virtual reality…

The purposes of this study were (1) to introduce a virtual dental lab designed to support students' virtual clinical examinations in a dentistry program in South Korea and (2) to determine how dental students' levels of expertise (low, medium, or high) influence their clinical performance in terms of dwell time on each tooth location, total…

This study investigated whether increased attention to the central or peripheral visual field can reduce motion sickness in virtual reality (VR). A recent study found that increased attention to the periphery during vection was correlated with lower self-reported motion sickness susceptibility, which suggests that peripheral attention might be…

Numerous studies have delved into the application of augmented reality (AR) in chemistry education, focusing on specific topics, equipment requirements, and advantages. However, there remains a notable dearth of research examining the evolutionary characteristics of AR in this context. This study, employing bibliometric analysis on 66 articles…