Extended reality (XR), which encompasses virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), offers powerful affordances for improving teaching and learning experiences in a post-pandemic world. Increasingly, many governments and institutions around the world are making major investments in XR technologies to prepare education…

With the development of online language learning comes a growing need for courses in language teaching to incorporate educational technologies into course content. The challenge this development poses is how to incorporate educational technologies in teacher education programmes to prepare teachers for online language teaching. This study explores…

Educational games and simulations are excellent active learning tools that offer students hands-on experience. Little research is available on developing games and simulations and how teachers can be assisted in making their own games and simulations. In this context, the paper presents a multi-step process of how to develop games and simulations…

Multiuser immersive learning scenarios hold strong potential for lifelong learning as they can support the acquisition of higher order skills in an effective, efficient, and attractive way. Existing virtual worlds, game development platforms, and game engines only partly cater for the proliferation of such learning scenarios as they are often…

The role of critical and creative thinking has been debated within the field of instructional design. Through an instructional design and development project we have identified how critical and creative thinking are essential to the instructional design process. This paper highlights a recent project focused on a virtual Native American village…

The goal of this study is to develop a virtual farm for educational applications. Users can play the role of a farmer by planting vegetables and raising poultry on the virtual farm to observe their growth through online learning activities. The virtual farm possesses educational and entertaining functions, and it is designed by simulating the real…

This paper demonstrates a methodology for effectively integrating computer-based learning tools in science teaching and learning. This methodology provides a means of systematic analysis to identify the capabilities of particular software tools and to formulate a series of competencies relevant to physical science that could be developed by means…

Advances in computer and interface technologies have made it possible to create three-dimensional (3D) computerized models of anatomical structures for visualization, manipulation, and interaction in a virtual 3D environment. In the past few decades, a multitude of digital models have been developed to facilitate complex spatial learning of the…

This paper introduces a hardware and software independent model for producing educational computer simulation environments. The model, which is based on the results of 32 studies of educational computer simulations program production, implies that educational computer simulation environments are specified, constructed, tested, implemented, and…

Examines the concept of meaningful learning in light of new information technology. Highlights include learning processes; types of learning; the computational theory of mind; the value of animations and simulations; and the importance of well-designed and well-written instructional materials. (LRW)

The design of "Probability Explorer" was inspired by: lack of research-based elementary probability software; constructivist principles for designing computer microworlds; and research on children's probabilistic reasoning. Discussion includes the inspirational and theoretical basis for design; conceptualizing the "Probability Explorer"…

Synthesizes the results of three case studies of middle school classrooms in which computer and video materials were used to teach topics in earth and space sciences through interactive simulations. Describes specific instances in which common current practice is problematic. Makes suggestions regarding improved design principles for such…

The reopening of a middle school in San Diego, California, provided a testing ground for a unique collaborative effort between the school faculty, a university department, and Apple Computer Corporation. The desire to infuse technology and cultural awareness across the curriculum led to the development of an interactive "microworld" game…