Abstract A substantial amount of media comparison research has been conducted in the last decade to investigate whether students learn Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) content better in immersive virtual reality (IVR) or more traditional learning environments. However, a thorough review of the design and implementation of conventional and IVR conditions in media comparison studies has not been conducted to examine the extent to which specific affordances of IVR can be pinpointed as the causal factor in enhancing learning. The present review filled this gap in the literature by examining the degree to which conventional and IVR conditions have been controlled on instructional methods and content within the K-12 and higher education STEM literature base. Thirty-eight published journal articles, conference proceedings, and dissertations related to IVR comparison studies in STEM education between the years 2013 and 2022 were coded according to 15 categories. These categories allowed for the extraction of information on the instructional methods and content characteristics of the conventional and IVR conditions to determine the degree of control within each experimental comparison. Results indicated only 26% of all comparisons examined between an IVR and conventional condition were fully controlled on five key control criteria. Moreover, 40% of the comparisons had at least one confound related to instructional method and content. When looking at the outcomes of the studies, it was difficult to gather a clear picture of the benefits or pitfalls of IVR when much of the literature was confounded and/or lacked sufficient information to determine if the conditions were controlled on key variables. Implications and recommendations for future IVR comparison research are discussed.
more »
« less
Technology as a Support for Proof and Argumentation: A Systematic Literature Review
Proof and argumentation are essential components of learning mathematics, and technology can mediate students’ abilities to learn. This systematic literature review synthesizes empirical literature which examines technology as a support for proof and argumentation across all content domains. The themes of this review are revealed through analyzing articles related to Geometry and mathematical content domains different from Geometry. Within the Geometry literature, five subthemes are discussed: (1) empirical and theoretical interplay in dynamic geometry environments (DGEs), (2) justifying constructions using DGEs, (3) comparing technological and non-technological environments, (4) student processing in a DGE, and (5) intelligent tutor systems. Within the articles related to content different from Geometry, two subthemes are discussed: technological supports for number systems/algebra and technological supports for calculus/real analysis. The technological supports for proof revealed in this review could aid future research and practice in developing new strategies to mediate students’ understandings of proof.
more »
« less
- Award ID(s):
- 1849948
- PAR ID:
- 10218841
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- The international journal for technology in mathematics education
- Volume:
- 27
- Issue:
- 2
- ISSN:
- 2045-2519
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 113-124
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
More Like this
-
-
The explosion of AI across all facets of society has given rise to the need for AI education across domains and levels. AI literacy has become an important concept in the current technological landscape, emphasizing the need for individuals to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to engage with AI systems. This systematic review examined 47 articles published between 2019 and 2023, focusing on recent work to capture new insights and initiatives given the burgeoning of the literature on this topic. In the initial stage, we explored the dataset to identify the themes covered by the selected papers and the target population for AI literacy efforts. We identified that the articles broadly contributed to one of the following themes: a) conceptualizing AI literacy, b) prompting AI literacy efforts, and c) developing AI literacy assessment instruments. We also found that a range of populations, from pre-K students to adults in the workforce, were targeted. In the second stage, we conducted a thorough content analysis to synthesize six key constructs of AI literacy: Recognize, Know and Understand, Use and Apply, Evaluate, Create, and Navigate Ethically. We then applied this framework to categorize a range of empirical studies and identify the prevalence of each construct across the studies. We subsequently review assessment instruments developed for AI literacy and discuss them. The findings of this systematic review are relevant for formal education and workforce preparation and advancement, empowering individuals to leverage AI and drive innovation.more » « less
-
We conducted a qualitative review of the research literature on STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) related to high school students with disabilities (SWD). We selected and analyzed 53 articles to answer two questions: (1) How are high-school SWD prepared for careers in STEM? (2) How are educators prepared to support high-school SWD for opportunities in STEM? In answering the first question, four qualitative themes emerged: (a) barriers to STEM, (b) increasing STEM opportunities, (c) STEM readiness in college and career, and (d) STEM identity. In answering the second question, three qualitative themes emerged: (a) individualizing learning and supports for SWD, (b) using technology and collaboration among educators, and (c) professional development for educators. Limitations of this review related to search terms and inclusion criteria. Implications of this review related to the need for more research on STEM enrichment programs, STEM identity, and long-term outcomes.more » « less
-
Internationally and in the United States, teachers are leaving the profession in an expedited rate resulting in a teacher shortage. This systematic literature review synthesizes empirical literature to identify current characteristics or factors related to stress, job satisfaction and burnout for secondary general education teachers. Four themes are developed from examination: stress factors, job satisfaction, teacher burnout, and teachers’ intent to remain in the profession. Within the identified themes, four subthemes are also developed: administration effect or relationship on teacher burnout, policy on teachers, new teachers vs, veteran teachers, and leavers and stayers. The factors presented from this review could support future research in developing new approaches to prevent teacher turnover and promote instead teacher retention in schools.more » « less
-
Abstract BackgroundOver the past decade, there has been a shift in science, technology, engineering and math education, especially in engineering, towards a competency‐based pedagogy. Competency‐based learning (CBL) is an outcome‐based, student‐centered form of instruction where students progress to more advanced work upon mastering the necessary prerequisite content and skills. Many articles have been published on the implementation of CBL in engineering higher education; however, the literature lacks a systematic review that summarizes prior work to inform both future research and practice. PurposeThe purpose of this review is to integrate previous literature as well as identify gaps in competency‐based engineering higher education research. It summarizes the different approaches for implementing CBL, the effects of the pedagogy on student outcomes, tools to enhance its effectiveness, and assessment strategies. In addition, suggestions and recommendations for future research are provided. MethodEngineering education articles were obtained from several EBSCO educational databases. The search was limited to articles published from 2005‐2015, and inclusion criteria consisted of peer‐reviewed journal articles that address the use of CBL in engineering higher education. Articles were then classified into several categories, summarized, and evaluated. ConclusionsTheoretical and applied perspectives are provided that address both the theoretical basis for the effectiveness of CBL and practical aspects of implementing successful CBL instruction in engineering education. There are gaps in the literature regarding how CBL programs should be structured and assessed. Future research directions include empirical quantitative evaluation of CBL's pedagogical effectiveness and the use of CBL for teaching professional skills.more » « less
An official website of the United States government

