<p> This integrative research review aims to examine the application of Kolb&rsquo;s theory of experiential learning through the use of simulations within virtual learning environments. It will first cover the framework of experiential learning as stated by Kolb, a learning theory that is finding new life within the context of simulations, role-playing games (RPGs), massive multiplayer role playing games (MMORPGs) and virtual environments. This analysis was conducted by making use of combined research strategies that focused specifically on both qualitative and quantitative reviews that utilized Kolb&rsquo;s experiential theory of learning (ELT) within the context of the application of computer based simulations in virtual environments used to facilitate learning. The review was guided by three principle questions: From the year 2000 to 2016, which research studies that examine the use of simulations to facilitate learning, use experiential learning theory as its foundational theoretical approach? Of the works that were selected, which studies were computer based simulations in virtual environments and demonstrated firm connections between Kolb&rsquo;s ELT and the results of the study? And lastly, within the final group of studies identified what patterns emerge through the application of Kolb&rsquo;s ELT within the context of computer based simulations in virtual environments? </p>

<p> Serious games are games, whose primary goal is not entertainment, but instead education (Michael &amp; Chen, 2005). They have the capability of presenting the educational material into a way that is more engaging than traditional classroom instruction. The researcher has decided to develop a serious game called National Pastime. National Pastime is an online role playing game with the main goal of motivating high school students to learn about the Japanese internment camps that were established in the United States during World War II. The game intends to improve the students' motivation with its engaging story and gameplay.</p>

<p> An Investigation of Higher Education Faculty About Mobile Learning. Serena Brown, 2018; Applied Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education. Keywords: mobile learning, mobile devices, technology integration, learning engagement, instructor perceptions, MLPS, UTAUT. </p><p> This applied dissertation was designed to investigate instructor perceptions about mobile learning among instructors in higher education. The study included the areas of influences of mobile technologies over the approaches of teaching and learning, use of mobile learning technologies to develop class instruction, use of mobile learning for professional learning, influences of mobile learning over the restrictions of time and space when acquiring knowledge anytime, anywhere, and mobile learning to facilitate teacher-student communications. An additional objective of this study was to add a more current literature source to the existing literature addressing instructor perceptions about mobile learning in higher education. </p><p> The writer used the Mobile Learning Perception Scale, a quantitative survey, using a cross-sectional survey design collecting data at one point in time during the study with nonprobability convenience sampling. </p><p> An overall analysis of the data revealed higher education instructors agreed (mean = 3.81, median = 4.00, mode = 4) with K12 teachers (mean = 4.09, median = 4.00, mode = 4) mobile learning techniques and tools were beneficial for use in the approaches to teaching and learning, influential in the development of classroom instruction strategies, useful for professional learning, influential over the restrictions of time when acquiring knowledge anytime, anywhere, and useful for facilitating teacher-student communication. </p><p> The results of this study provide administrators the benefit of insight into instructors&rsquo; perceptions and attitudes of mobile learning at the higher education level. Knowing higher education instructors&rsquo; perceptions and attitudes about mobile learning afford the institution a much-needed understanding of the direct determinants and influencing key moderators which inform behavioral intention and use of mobile learning technologies (Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, &amp; Davis, 2003).</p><p>

<p> The ever-changing workplace of current society calls for instructional shifts to the predominately traditional educational system in existence today. In order to successfully navigate a globalized culture, the instructional makeup and educational structure must include knowledge of core subjects, student-centered learning environments, as well as literacy and mastery of recognized 21<tt>st</tt> century competencies. Effective implementation of 21<tt>st</tt> century skills requires modifications in assessment practices, educational policy, research-based curriculum, and instructional design, providing students opportunity for deeper application and learning of content. Research is needed regarding pedagogical practices, incorporation of 21<tt>st</tt> century learning skills, and a student&rsquo;s perceptions of learning. This explanatory sequential mixed methods study explores upper elementary student perceptions surrounding choice in evidencing learning during student-driven assessments using self-selected technology-based platforms. Frequency analysis was used to examine quantitative data collected by the Likert-based Technology Choice &amp; Academic Efficacy Student Perception Survey. Survey results indicated strong majority agreement among participants concerning student choice of technology and evidencing learning. A principal components analysis revealed correlations in the data between technology-based choice during assignments and student&rsquo;s academic efficacy and engagement. Coding was used to examine qualitative focus group data, major themes emerged including Engagement, Efficacy, and Learning Process, all centered on a student&rsquo;s foundation of Experience and Exposure. Results indicate that practices including self-selected technology choice during assignment completion should be used to positively influence a student&rsquo;s perception of a task, shaping learner engagement, efficacy, 21<tt>st</tt> century mindset, and ownership in the learning process.</p><p>

<p> Although some middle school teachers integrate social media platforms into instruction, they generally use traditional and teacher-centered strategies rather than those that are innovative and student-centered. A gap exists in the literature on how teachers could use social media tools such as Edmodo to engage middle school students for innovative online collaboration. This qualitative case study explored the factors that contributed to the acceptance and use of Edmodo by middle school teachers in a Mid-Atlantic urban school district. Specifically, the research explored how teachers leveraged Edmodo to initiate and sustain networked collaboration with their students. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 model, sociocultural development theory, and connectivism supported the conceptual framework. A criterion selection process was used to select 6 middle school teachers as participants. Data sources included 6 semi structured interviews, a focus group of 3 educational technology leaders, and school district documents. Data were analyzed using a priori codes based on the literature review and conceptual framework. Themes that emerged from the analysis included the following: acceptance and use of Edmodo as a communication platform, increased support of students&rsquo; organizational needs, enhancement of professional practice, initiation of networked collaboration, barriers and challenges in networked collaboration, and sustained networked collaboration. This research may contribute to positive social change by informing educational leaders and teachers on how to best leverage social media tools such as Edmodo in the middle school classroom to actively engage students in online collaboration, fostering a more student-centered learning environment.</p><p>

<p> Teacher preparation colleges and universities have been studied to determine best practices and respond to educational reform. Education as a whole has been criticized for the rate at which reform occurs. Technology in education has its roots in the early 1990s, but best practices to provide professional development to current teaching staff and in the teacher preparation programs continue to evolve.</p><p> This study shows the outcomes of a unique school-university partnership preparing pre-service teachers to purposefully integrate technology in their future classrooms. Six Duquesne University interns were followed through their university technology integration course and during their semester internship at a Pittsburgh area school district with technology rich classrooms. This investigation is distinctive as the interns were embedded field experiences focusing on technology prior to their student teaching experiences. In documenting the interns&rsquo; stories, their narratives further inform the effect of such opportunities and advance school-university partnerships for the purpose of better preparing teachers for today&rsquo;s technology-rich classrooms and reduce or eliminate the Second Level Digital Divide.</p>

<p> Studies show that students in lower socioeconomic status (SES) districts tend to have fewer resources, and in turn have greater achievement gaps than their affluent peers from neighboring districts. In an effort to bridge these gaps, schools have turned to 1:1 computing to bring electronic resources to their students that they might not have otherwise. However, to date there are minimal studies indicating whether or not high school students are willing to accept technology for classroom instructional purposes. This study examined the extent to which student demographic characteristics (e.g., sex, race/ethnicity, SES) are related to their acceptance of Chromebook use for instructional purposes during the initial implementation of a 1:1 initiative using framework of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. This study used quantitative correlational methods, using data from a survey that was administered to 171 public high school students in the Midwest region of the United States. Results indicated that the UTAUT model was upheld. Effort expectancy (EE) and performance expectancy (PE) positively predicted behavioral intention (BI), and race/ethnicity also had a relationship with BI. This study also found statistically significant interaction effects for experience &times; PE as well as gender &times; EE. Additionally, this study found that while including SES as a moderating effect did not result in statistically significant effects, the inclusion of the PE &times; SES and EE &times; SES interaction effect in the model resulted in a statistically significant relationship between race/ethnicity and BI.</p><p>

Thesis (Ed. D.)--West Virginia University, 2002. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains xii, 224 p. : ill. (some col.). Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 169-176).

Title from title page of PDF (University of Missouri--St. Louis, viewed February 9, 2010). Includes bibliographical references (p. 111-130).

Thesis (Ed. D.)--West Virginia University, 2003. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains iv, 83 p. Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 54-60).