This study employs the 4-parameter logistic item response theory model to account for the unexpected incorrect responses or slipping effects observed in a large-scale Algebra 1 End-of-Course assessment, including several innovative item formats. It investigates whether modeling the misfit at the upper asymptote has any practical impact on the…

We investigate two non-iterative estimation procedures for Rasch models, the pair-wise estimation procedure (PAIR) and the Eigenvector method (EVM), and identify theoretical issues with EVM for rating scale model (RSM) threshold estimation. We develop a new procedure to resolve these issues--the conditional pairwise adjacent thresholds procedure…

Conducting experiments fosters conceptual understanding in science education. In various studies, combinations of real (hands-on) and virtual (computer-simulated) experiments have been shown to be especially helpful for gaining conceptual understanding. The present systematic review, based on 42 experimental studies, focuses on the following: (1)…

Immersive Virtual Environments (IVEs), particularly Mixed-Reality (MR) technologies, continue to have an increasing impact on design processes and design education. This study focuses on MR's potentials in Basic Design (BD) education and its influence on novice designers' design thinking abilities. In this study, through a newly developed MR-based…

Within-cluster variance homogeneity is one of the key assumptions of multilevel models; however, assuming a constant (i.e. equal) within-cluster variance may not be realistic. Moreover, existent within-cluster variance heterogeneity should be regarded as a source of additional information rather than a violation of a model assumption. This study…

Virtual Reality (VR) offers language learners a valuable environment for practicing language skills and other aspects essential for language development, interaction, and negotiation of meaning. For example, speaking practice in VR using avatars can reduce speaking anxiety and increase users' sense of agency. Social spaces in VR present…

Missing data is a common challenge to any researcher in almost any field of research. In particular, human participants in research do not always respond or return for assessments leaving the researcher to rely on missing data methods. The most common methods (i.e., Multiple Imputation and Full Information Maximum Likelihood) assume that the…

Bayesian approach is becoming increasingly important as it provides many advantages in dealing with complex data. However, there is no well-defined model selection criterion or index in a Bayesian context. To address the challenges, new indices are needed. The goal of this study is to propose new model selection indices and to investigate their…

Although virtual reality (VR) is commonly used in science classes, for example, to enable students to do simulated human dissections and other medical procedures, research on the use of VR as a learning tool in the humanities, more specifically the literature classroom, are few. This grounded theory study sought to understand better the use of VR…

A qualitative sugar identification laboratory was adapted from a hands-on experiment to a virtual "choose your own adventure" experience where students select virtual experiments to conduct on samples of known and unknown carbohydrates. Students select positive and negative controls for each qualitative test and compare results from the…

The Databank of Dynamics Trajectories (DDT, notthatddt.org) was established to assist students in visualizing the dynamical behaviors occurring during chemical reactions and conformational changes, with a focus on processes taught in introductory organic chemistry classes. Animations of reacting molecules created using "ab initio"…

Extreme-user experiences refer to experiences that simulate the extremes of user abilities like reduced or no visual attention or auditory attention. Inspired by the needs experienced by the users who experience physical or cognitive challenges, extreme-user perspectives can make designers understand their designs from an inclusive design…

Nurses and other health care providers face daily challenges when delivering care in the acute care settings to adult patients on the autism spectrum (ASD). Secondary to a lack of disability-specific training, health care providers may struggle to establish and maintain a therapeutic rapport with patients diagnosed on the autism spectrum (Bury et…

The aim of this quasi-experimental study was to incorporate a cardiac simulation into a computer exam for Level 4 nursing students to determine if it would affect their anxiety levels and overall scores. Nursing education must constantly improve as technology and evidence-based practice evolves the world of healthcare. Literature regarding…

Memory is inherently context-dependent: internal and environmental cues become bound to learnt information, and the later absence of these cues can impair recall. Here, we developed an approach to leverage context-dependence to optimise learning of challenging, interference-prone material. While navigating through desktop virtual reality (VR)…