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The creative programming language Processing can be used as a generative architectural design tool, which allows the designer to write design instructions (algorithms) and compute them, obtaining graphical outputs of great interest. This contribution addresses the inclusion of this language in the architecture curriculum, within the context of digital culture and alternative approaches to how digital tools are used and learned. It studies the different processes related to Computational Thinking that are triggered in the prototyping of computer applications and that lead to creativity. The similarity between architectural design and programming is analysed, both in problem solving (abstraction, decomposition, iterative revisions--debugging--, etc.) and in the use of mechanisms of a digital nature (loops, randomness, etc.). The results of the design and testing of a pilot course are shown, in which the way of teaching, learning and using this programming language is based on the graphical representation of problems through sketches.

This research explores the development, execution, and student feedback on a multi-themed digital escape room (ER) activity, designed for teaching medicinal chemistry during the COVID-19 pandemic. It aimed to examine students' perceptions of the ER activity, focusing on its effectiveness in enriching students' understanding of medicinal chemistry and increasing their engagement level. Implemented in a synchronous online lecture for third-year pharmacy students, this ER activity was designed with the intention of fostering active learning and teamwork. A total of 184 students participated in various medicinal chemistry-themed challenges, using puzzles on a virtual whiteboard and breakout rooms for team discussions. The findings gathered from the post-implementation survey highlight the impactful learning outcomes associated with a replicable ER activity designed for online medicinal chemistry courses. This innovative teaching strategy not only cultivated a deeper understanding of key medicinal topics among students (mean=4.36) but also enhanced their collaborative skills through increased peer interaction (mean=3.73). They also reported higher level of engagement due to the interesting activities (mean=4.53). The quantitative results were affirmed by the qualitative feedback obtained from the open-ended questions, indicating a consistently positive learning experience and student reception towards the ER implementation. Although they encountered obstacles like stress, internet issues, and unfamiliarity with the ER format, more than 70% of the students agreed that the ER activity was a highly effective learning tool. This digital ER activity also demonstrates promise as an educational tool to encourage active learning and enhance students' motivation in learning medicinal chemistry. The study has showcased the potential benefits of integrating digital ERs into traditional teaching methods, especially for catering to the preferences of Generation Z students in a collaborative learning environment. In addition, the research offers valuable insights into the use of ERs in pharmacy education, contributing to the scarce literature on ER applications in medicinal chemistry and opening avenues for further research on ER-based educational strategies.

Software installation is an early barrier to success for graduate students in our online statistics class. To help them overcome this potential barrier, our instructional team created the SPSS Early Adopter Program (SEAP). The SEAP gamified the installation task with a discussion badge and bonus point; these external motivators encouraged students to avoid procrastinating on their SPSS installation. To document student experiences with the SEAP, we conducted a nonexperimental, descriptive study of 475 students enrolled in an online statistics course. Data collection and analysis consisted of descriptive statistics of the SEAP completion rate and a reflexive thematic analysis of students' spontaneous reactions to the installation process. Results showed that 205 of 475 students (43%) completed the SEAP challenge. In their unsolicited responses, 14 SEAP completers (7%) spontaneously expressed confusion and uncertainty; we coded this as a theme of academic vulnerability. Another 27 SEAP completers (13%) spontaneously expressed comments like, "I finally figured it out!" We coded these responses as a theme of academic resilience. For academically resilient students, the SPSS Early Adopter Program transformed a success barrier into a rewarding challenge.

While studies have extolled the value of using online rubrics, the benefits have usually been presented in terms of enhancing marking or delivery of teacher feedback. These benefits are welcome, but they nonetheless couch digital as simply an improved way for "old paradigm" transmission approaches to feedback that do little to help students develop feedback literacy. This study therefore investigates whether the affordances of online rubrics might also enhance students' metacognitive engagement with feedback. Five qualitative case studies followed students over 1-2 semesters as they submitted multiple pieces of work and received online feedback, including rubrics, via Turnitin Feedback Studio. Student perceptions were investigated through interviews and student-recorded screencasts in which students followed a think-aloud protocol as they engaged with their online feedback. The findings indicate that counter to our hopes for digital enhancement, the online rubrics in these cases tended to actually inhibit feedback literacy development. At the same time, participants' online behaviours showed a range of useful strategies for making sense of and acting on online feedback, even when the online rubrics themselves are lacking. This is something that programme and assessment teams should draw on in order to maximise learners' engagement with and learning from online rubric feedback.

Guided by the 5E framework (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate), a buffer solution courseware was designed using "Articulate Rise," a content authoring tool. It was deployed in a freshman general chemistry course in the April semesters of 2022 and 2023. The courseware was a supplementary resource to support instructor-created lecture videos, along with other learning activities integrated under one roof. An opening YouTube video was used as a hook to interest learners by highlighting the application of buffer solutions in the COVID test kit. A "ChemCollective" virtual laboratory activity on buffer preparation was weaved into the package for learner exploration work, guided by a worksheet. The traditional lecture videos were also integrated into the Explain stage. Additional examples of industry uses of buffer solutions and the application of dilution factor in industry buffer formulations were designed into the Elaboration stage. Formative self-checks were included for evaluation of learning. Data collected from the self-check completion rate and a user experience survey showed favorable outcomes. About 43% of the cohort studied at least one part of the courseware. Of those who attempted the courseware, 80% attained full completion. Learners enjoyed the highly interactive content, particularly the virtual laboratory. Improvements to future course implementation were discussed.

Statistical software is commonly used in undergraduate social sciences statistics courses. Due to the increase in online/hybrid courses and the cost of SPSS, instructors may wish to switch to another statistical software. We cover seven programs: Excel, Google Sheets, jamovi, JASP, PSPP, R, and SOFA. We compare programs using the following criteria: ease of download, quality of online instructions, availability of instructor resources, sophistication of analyses available, ease of use, operating system requirements, whether it uses point-and-click or code, and whether a VPAT is available. Adopting new course materials is a valuable part of instruction but time-consuming. Therefore, this review provides information about commonly available or free open-source programs so instructors can choose based on the needs of their students and/or institutions.

While research in the learning sciences has spurred advancements in educational technology, the implementation of those learning resources in natural learning contexts advances teaching and learning. In this paper, two faculty members at the University of Central Florida used courseware generated with artificial intelligence as the primary learning resource for their students. The selection and enhancement of this courseware is contextualized for each course. Instructor implementation practices over multiple semesters are described and related to resulting student engagement and exam scores. Finally, benefits of the adaptive courseware are discussed not only for student outcomes, but the qualitative changes faculty identified and the impact that iterative changes in teaching practice had on instructors as well as students.

This study aims to examine the views of preservice social studies teachers on the use of Quizlet in a physical geography course. The participants of the study consisted of 56 preservice social studies teachers who were secondyear students in the social studies education program of the educational faculty of a state university and were taking the "physical geography of Turkey" course. At the end of a 5-week-long application of Quizlet, the qualitative data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of open-ended questions that were designed by the researcher. Participants' responses to the open-ended questions on the questionnaire were analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis. Results showed that preservice social studies teachers found the use of Quizlet in the physical geography course as useful mostly because it was instructive and easy to use, allowed revising and permanence of knowledge, and the presentation of geography terms with visuals in Quizlet sets helped them to learn geography concepts. The most preferred modes among the categories in Quizlet sets by the participants were "flashcards", and their "match" in the games category. The majority of the participants did not have any problems when using the Quizlet study sets, but concerning the modes, some students had problems with the device, and they had problems with the internet connection. Based on the results of this research, using Quizlet in teaching the physical geography course and for teaching geography concepts are recommended.

This study looks at OpenCourseWare (OCW) in Spain, a country where most public universities have tried to promote that particular model of open educational resources (OER) provision among academics. Using three universities with varying levels of OCW activity as a case study, this article examines key drivers behind the implementation of OCW initiatives and unpacks what it means, as an academic practice, to engage in OCW authoring. Following a qualitative case study approach and a multi-methods design, this study offers a basis for theoretical generalisations that can be useful for understanding similar dynamics taking place within different organisational contexts in Spain and beyond. The findings reveal a major disconnect between the drive to implement OCW initiatives in Spain and actual opportunities for academics to engage with them as part of their work. The author concludes that the extrapolation of a highly prescriptive model of OER provision into institutional realities different from the context where it was originally devised--in this case, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States--is rather problematic. The article also provides some recommendations to university leaders and policy makers, encouraging the creation of alternative models that are mindful of the institutional and cultural specificities of their own contexts and also to take into consideration the social and material realities of the communities they aim to provide with lifelong learning opportunities.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using word clouds in brainstorming on developing design thinking skills through the web environment among Taibah University students in Saudi Arabia, and the degree of design thinking skills among students. The lesson of E-learning course was developed in two different modes, brainstorming via the web and virtual classes. Quasi experimental factorial design was adopted in this research. The independent variables were the two modes of courseware (the mode brainstorming through a word cloud, and the second mode virtual classes). The dependent variables were the design thinking skills. The study sample consisted of 72 students and were randomly (simple random sample) selected from ten classrooms. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted to analyse the collected data through the SPSS software. Analyses of covariance (MANCOVA) were performed to examine the main effects of the independent variables (Brainstorming) on the dependent variables (Design thinking skills). The findings of this study showed that students using the brainstorming via the web mode performed significantly better than those in the virtual classes mode. And that the students have a moderate degree of design thinking.

Developmental education, in which college students deemed unprepared for college-level coursework enroll in non-credit-bearing courses, is widespread in American higher education. This study evaluates the effect of mobile app courseware on the college outcomes of developmental education students. We used a research design that randomly assigned course sections to receive access to the apps or not. The results show that access to the apps significantly improved student performance in developmental education outcomes and marginally improved medium-term college persistence and performance but did not affect credential attainment in the study timeframe. Despite a number of barriers to implementation, the results suggest the intervention has the potential to improve the short-term outcomes of developmental education students in addition to being low-cost and scalable.

A cornerstone activity in undergraduate organic laboratories revolves around students running instrumental analysis on their products and interpreting their spectra. They are left to link the theory they have learned in lecture to practical spectral interpretation. Students often memorize benchmark interpretations of peaks, such as the broad alcohol absorbance in infrared spectroscopy (IR). However, students often do not correlate the absorbance frequency to the actual vibrational mode. Given more nuanced spectra to interpret, like the difference between a hydrogen and a deuterium on an alcohol, students often miss the differences between the spectra. The GAMESS computational software package accessed through the Web interface ChemCompute is successfully used by students here to generate IR spectra of different isotopically labeled alcohols. This Web-based portal provides multiple benefits to the students: (1) The computational software is accessible through any browser on most common operating systems (including Chromebooks), (2) generating IR spectra for multiple products allows students to predict differences in spectra to compare to their actual IR data reinforcing prediction in the scientific method, and (3) the software links the differences in isotopes to structural vibrational modes visualized in the software allowing students to link theory to practice in spectral interpretation.

The purpose of this work is to examine the issue of pre-service science teachers' (PSST) Geogebra applications on misconceptions about projectile motion (PM) and the permanence of learning concepts. In this study, quantitative research method was used as scientific research method, and semi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test control group was used as a pattern. The accessible population of this study is PSST who study in a university located in Kayseri, Turkey in the 2019-2020 academic year. Sample of the study included 36 freshman PSST, studying at the university level in Kayseri. 18 of the participants are experimental-group (EG) and 18 of them are control-group (CG). Both groups learned the subject of projectile motion (PM) together in the classroom. In addition to the traditional teaching method, the EG participated eight-week in the Geogebra course based on the conceptual change model and prepared physics simulations with Geogebra. "Conceptual Questions on Projectile Motion" was used as a data collection tool and the data were analyzed by means of statistics (t-test) based on the difference between averages. The results revealed that both the post-test's and permanence test's mean scores of the EG PSST were significantly higher than the mean score of the CG PSST (post-test: t=2.525; p< 0.05) (permanence test: t=5.466; p< 0.05). Furthermore, in this study, many misconceptions about the PM were identified.

This study aimed to address the teaching readiness issues of OpenCourseWare (OCW). Specifically, the research goal was to examine Taiwanese college faculty members' level of teaching readiness for OCW via a questionnaire named "Teaching Readiness Scale for OCW" (TRS-OCW). A total of 142 Taiwanese college faculty members both with and without OCW teaching experience participated in this study. The results showed that faculty members with OCW teaching experience had significantly higher readiness levels in the factors of perception of administrative support, personal characteristics, and OCW recognition when compared to faculty members without OCW teaching experience. Male faculty members with OCW teaching experience had higher readiness than female faculty members with OCW teaching experience in the OCW recognition factor. Moreover, the job position of OCW-experienced faculty did not make a difference in any readiness factor. Finally, perceived administrative support was the only significant predictor of the willingness of college faculty without OCW teaching experience to provide OCW in the future.

Undergraduates are often advised to expand their discipline-specific vocabulary in order to cope with the rigor of reading and writing academic texts. For the students studying in English-medium settings, it is in their interest to acquire vocabulary in their disciplines as this is vital to academic success. While students recognize the importance of discipline-specific vocabulary acquisition, they are typically unable to do so due to their heavy work on learning and assessment tasks. With the advent of mobile technology, one way to address this problem is to create vocabulary apps. To meet this need, this paper presents a gamified, discipline-specific vocabulary learning app "Books vs Brains@PolyU." It was developed to help busy undergraduates to build a repertoire of the vocabulary across seven disciplines. We explored students' perceptions and evaluation of this tool via interviews with sixteen student participants of the project. The results show that students found the tool useful and motivating, indicating the effectiveness of the app in helping busy undergraduates to build and expand their knowledge of discipline-specific vocabulary.

Preliminary investigations reveal that some academic staff find it difficult to adapt use of e-learning facilities for delivery academic duties which could lead to job ineffectiveness. The study, investigated the extent to which e-learning facilities availability, usability and adaptability predict job effectiveness among academic staff of University of Ibadan in order to ensure effective delivery of academic duties. Non-experimental design of correlational research type was adopted. Population comprised lecturers in Faculties, Institutes and Centres in University of Ibadan. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 14 Faculties (48 Departments), 3 Institutes and 2 Centres which are academic units. Five lecturers were randomly selected in each unit, given sample of 265 lecturers. Data was collected using four instruments developed and content validated and ordinal alpha reliability estimated. Three research questions were raised. Data analysis was done using PPMC and Multiple regression. Results showed that availability, usability and adaptability of e-learning facilities had positively significant influence on job effectiveness among academic staff of the University of Ibadan. The study recommended that academic staff should adapt the use of e-learning facilities into their academic work to enhance job effectiveness.

On the one hand, mathematical software is ubiquitous in mathematics education. On the other hand, word problems are an important part of the curriculum, and they often require modelling skills. This is especially true with optimisation and extrema problems proposed to high school and undergraduate students. We propose two activities around extrema problems, modelling with Dynamic Geometry Software (DGS). The exploration relies on the synchronised representations offered by the DGS. We discuss the different registers of representations used, their synchronisation and the limitations of the models versus the concrete occurrence.

In response to the high cost of textbooks and other course materials, "Inclusive Access" automatic billing programs allow the cost of a discounted eTextbook and/or courseware to be automatically added to a student's tuition bill at the time of course registration. Touted for their ability to lower costs and provide students with access to materials on or before the first day of class, these automatic billing programs have become increasingly prolific across the higher education landscape. At the same time, research into many aspects of the program's impact and efficacy remains lacking. This study examined academic outcomes from an "Inclusive Access" pilot launched fall 2019 by Tennessee's largest system of public higher education. Results from across 13 community colleges and 141 courses spanning 41 course areas indicated no significant differences in either overall or population-specific academic outcomes between the "Inclusive Access" pilot semester and the two prior falls in which the courses were taught. The findings demonstrate that benefits accrued from relative cost-savings and/or Day One Access were insufficient to produce significant improvements in academic outcomes, with no significant differences in outcomes evidenced for nonwhite, federal Pell grant award recipients, and/or non-traditional students over the age of 25. These results suggest that measures beyond cost-savings and Day One access, such as hidden costs, the need for perpetual access, and the repercussions to student debt from deferring college expenses, should also be considered when evaluating ways to provide students with affordable course materials that enable high-quality, equitable learning experiences.

To support recent trends toward the use of patient-specific anatomical models from medical imaging data, we present a learning module for use in the undergraduate BME curriculum that introduces image segmentation, the process of partitioning digital images to isolate specific anatomical features. Five commercially available software packages were evaluated based on their perceived learning curve, ease of use, tools for segmentation and rendering, special tools, and cost: ITK-SNAP, 3D Slicer, OsiriX, Mimics, and Amira. After selecting the package best suited for a stand-alone course module on medical image segmentation, instructional materials were developed that included a general introduction to imaging, a tutorial guiding students through a step-by-step process to extract a skull from a provided stack of CT images, and a culminating assignment where students extract a different body part from clinical imaging data. This module was implemented in three different engineering courses, impacting more than 150 students, and student achievement of learning goals was assessed. ITK-SNAP was identified as the best software package for this application because it is free, easiest to learn, and includes a powerful, semi-automated segmentation tool. After completing the developed module based on ITK-SNAP, all students attained sufficient mastery of the image segmentation process to independently apply the technique to extract a new body part from clinical imaging data. This stand-alone module provides a low-cost, flexible way to bring the clinical and industry trends combining medical image segmentation, CAD, and 3D printing into the undergraduate BME curriculum.

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the application of mathematical software to the mathematical abilities of students in Indonesia. For this purpose, 64 effect sizes from 51 studies published in national and international journals from 2011 to 2019 were analyzed using the meta-analysis method. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software is used to assist the analysis. Hedges's g coefficient was used when the effect sizes were calculated and the confidence level was accepted as 95%. As a result of the study, the overall effect size was 1.162, with a standard error of 0.091 according to the random-effects model. These results indicate that the average student who is ranked 13th in the experimental group is equivalent to those who are ranked 4th in the control group. The study was conducted by considering four characteristics, producing a significant difference in terms of the year when the study was conducted and the type of software used. Thus the use of mathematical software produces a larger effect on mathematical ability than conventional approaches.

Education for sustainable development is an emerging concept that encompasses a new vision in physics education that empowers the learner to assume responsibility for creating a sustainable future. Physics education is still struggling to adapt to the personalized approach in learning. Personalized learning thrives in this technology-rich environment, but it is not enough to revolutionize the learning experience. Physics is a challenging subject to learn at higher education level due to its heavy emphasis on problem-solving. Technologies in learning physics create a learner-centered learning environment that is individualized and interactive. The authors attempted to develop the software using database technology for assisting learners to keep their learning materials for learning physics step by step. Database tools are primarily used for storing, modifying, extracting and searching for information within the database. The tool used for this research was the Database software (CVLP) which was made available on the cloud platform. This tool was designed by using the relational database model. The researcher has used the experimental method in studying its effectiveness in learning physics. The samples selected for this study comprised of the students studying an undergraduate course in four colleges at Tamilnadu, India. In this study, t-Test was the statistical technique applied to draw conclusion. The higher difference in mean scores between the experimental group and control group indicates that the database software was effectively utilized by the learners. The results revealed that the database software developed by the researcher helped the learners in learning physics concepts and solving physics problems.

This research addresses university student perceptions of a digital learning platform, such as MindTap by Cengage Learning, and how the technology affects student engagement within finance courses. Areas of impact and features of the product were surveyed via a Likert scale of effectiveness. As expected, perceptions were generally positive across most categories measured. Students expressed higher perceived effectiveness of homework and problem-solving areas but were less likely to agree that the product improved learning outcomes. This disconnect raises questions about the relationship between the perception of such interactive tools and actual outcomes. To the extent that students are engaged in the way that they learn would be expected to produce increased learning outcomes. Further research is suggested to measure perceptions and actual observations.

Although numerous studies have investigated how technology affects academic achievement, very few have focused on the purpose of the use of technology in mathematics education. This current study examines how student teachers (STs) benefit from GeoGebra as one of the Dynamic Geometry Software (DGS) while solving continuity problems. In order to have deeper insights and a better understanding of the intended purposes, a case study research design was adopted for this study. Participants in the study were seven mathematics STs. Six open-ended problems were used to collect data. Three themes were found to be relevant for understanding how STs use DGS in a problem solving process: visualize, verify, and calculate. The paper also shows the potential misconceptions of the STs.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of technologically assisted learning for anatomy courses in sport science collegiate. Methods: One hundred forty-four first-year students from sport sciences faculty attended a required anatomy course in the syllabus. The participants of this class were composed of two learning groups as Classical Learning Group (n=48), and New Approach Group (n=96) based on the lecture style. Classical anatomy course carried out with instruction-based method via PowerPoint lecture on the anatomy course materials such as textbooks, models, and printed visualizations of anatomical sites whereas "Quizizz"™ app-based one performed interactively within a technology-assisted way. The end of the semester, participants answered a reliable and valid survey named Anatomy Lectures Attitude Questionnaire (ALAQ). Results: There was a significant difference in the mid-term and course success when compared Classical Learning (CL) and New Approach (NA). However, no significant differences observed final examination, ALAQ results, and sub-factors'. There was a very low correlation between mid-term, final, course success and ALAQ results in NA group. However, no significantly correlation found between mid-term, final, course success and ALAQ results in CL group. Conclusion: The findings reported here suggest that "Quizizz"™ app can enable improving learning outcomes and contribute to test scores for human anatomy in sport sciences collegiate. We do not conceive the substitute traditional learning method within the educational applications for anatomy courses, but it could be regarded as a supplement method of teaching in higher education.

The purpose of the study was to explore whether learners' conceptual knowledge (CK) or procedural knowledge (PK) understanding of calculus using the stimulus of active technology-based learning strategy better influence their content knowledge (COK) development. The quantitative methods were used in a quasi-experimental design. CK, PK and COK achievement scores were sources used for data collected from 150 samples. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics conducting an independent samples t-test and a Two-Way ANOVA for repeated measures. The findings reveal that the use of the active learning interventions that heavily borrows and utilizes technology substantially stimulated experimental group (EG) to immensely raise their CK attainment as compared to PK development. The COK understanding was also significantly enhanced as a result of EG learners outperformed on CK. Consequently, the researcher suggests professional development for educators empowering them with such knowledge and skills involved in the active jigsaw co-operative method and GeoGebra learning strategy (JCLGS) that will influence classroom practices. This influence will then translate to learners' interests and positive attitudes towards calculus.

The goals of the article's authors are: to justify the need to teach students the skills of professional communication in a foreign language on the basis of a text-oriented approach; to demonstrate the possibility of conducting this type of training in reference to the discourse analysis of a particular institutional area. Achievement of the goals is ensured by a set of the following theoretical, empirical, and experimental. Analysis, synthesis, a generalization of scientific and methodological works on the research topic; discourse analysis (method) of institutional communication; methods for collecting and accumulating data; experiential learning, implementation into practice. The article presents the results of the study: teaching professional communication through the use of professional texts with due regard for the discourse analysis of the corresponding communicative situation is grounded; the significance of the text-oriented approach in teaching international students the language of their university major is estimated; ways of developing the respective speech competencies are exemplified. The results presented in this article could be instantaneously applied in the learning process and eventually in the job search. The conclusions would be demanded in theoretical courses on the methodology of teaching foreign languages, special courses on the university major's language, etc.

Correspondence courses have been offered in Brazil since the late 19th century; in the 20th century, instructional media such as radio and television were successfully used long before the introduction of the Internet. However, distance education (DE) was officially established in Brazil only in 1996 by the National Educational Law of Policies and Bases. Several censuses conducted by the Brazilian Ministry of Education and the Brazilian Association of Distance Education (ABED) collected statistics on the number of institutions and students involved in DE in Brazil. Although higher education DE has developed in the country since then, several attempts to create an Open University failed. The institution that is now The Open University of Brazil (UAB), created in 2005, focused mainly on teacher education. However, it is not a new institution (but rather a system of older institutions). It is neither a university (but rather a consortium of public federal, state, and municipal face-to-face educational institutions), nor open (candidates should have at least finished high school and are required to pass a rigorous entrance exam). Although UAB certainly contributed to the progress of DE in Brazil, it faces many challenges and problems, such as the continuously questioned quality of its learning support centers, labor relations, issues related to hiring face-to-face and online tutors, and the structure and organization of producing content for courses. This article presents a brief history and the main characteristics of DE in Brazil, details UAB's structure, and discusses the challenges it faces.

Simulated environments can provide a convenient, effective way to teach skills. Simulations have been used for decades to teach skills such as piloting aircraft. As technology has improved, it has become feasible to simulate many other tasks. Recent advances in virtual and augmented reality provide new avenues for expanding training using simulations. Going forward, it is imperative that we understand how skills are transferred from simulated environments to physical environments. The current research investigated network simulation training in an introductory computer networking course. Students completed networking exercises in a simulated network environment using Cisco Packet Tracer then subsequently completed exercises using physical Cisco routers and switches. Data from the study indicates that simulations are effective tools to teach computer networking principles but may not necessarily eliminate the need for students to learn using physical networking equipment. Student perceptions of simulation realism explained a large portion of the variance in skill transference between the simulated and physical environments. Practical advice for instructors teaching networking using simulated and physical environments is given.

Usability testing that includes people who are fluent in assistive technology is an important way to ensure that digital products meet the needs of all users. In settings such as universities, with highly distributed content creator networks and vast differences in project sizes and scopes, it can be challenging for non-experts to find and use the best methods to assess accessibility. This article describes creation of a pilot pool of fluent assistive technology users from the surrounding geographic area made widely available internally to university content creators. The availability of the pool (n = 40) provided increased capacity to test internally developed products and vended solutions, increasing overall accessibility assessments at the university. Authors review the benefits and challenges in creating the participant pool, along with implementation details. Further discussion includes efficiencies for the university, learning by content creators, and potential directions for future research.

This paper reports on the development of an evidenced-based method guiding the review, design and development of higher education courses (programs), supported by a bespoke, purpose-specific software platform. It describes the outcome of a five-year process of development for both the method and for the supporting technology, where feedback was obtained from stakeholders across the institution, evaluated and enacted. The paper describes the best practice approaches embedded within the method, as well as the underlying theory bases and the procedures that contributed to the evolution of the current product. The lessons learned by the project team can inform others in similar higher education contexts thereby avoiding the pitfalls described.

This study used propensity score matching to compare two online courseware systems intended for use as supplements to either face-to-face or online courses. One courseware system focused on adaptive features available to students while completing assignments; whereas the other system was an interactive courseware that provided embedded media supplements and assessments. Participants were students enrolled in a psychology course taught by an instructor who used the adaptive courseware in Fall 2013, switching to the interactive courseware in Fall 2015 and 2016. Propensity score matching was used to match students in 2015 with students in 2013. A separate matching process was done for the 2016 versus 2013 students. The use of propensity score matching was successful in allowing comparison across groups. However, the only consistent finding across the two matched samples was that students appeared to spend less time in the interactive courseware than the adaptive courseware. The most likely reason for the difference is a function of the requirements of the two courseware systems.

Immunology is a knowledge area of paramount importance in life sciences and health care professional education with diverse applications, as well as for a general public understanding of issues related to vaccination. However, many concepts are complex and difficult to understand based only on conventional classes or static images. The use of tools, such as educational software, may enhance the learning of dynamic molecular phenomena that occur in our bodies. Virtual Immunology is a software that aims to facilitate the learning of certain complex immunology concepts. Herein, we present the "Antigen-antibody interactions" module that was used and evaluated by 127 students and 3 teachers from medical schools from 2 universities, 1 public and 1 private, both in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The pretest/posttest research design was used to assess student learning in a randomized sample. To evaluate user perceptions concerning software quality, 14 statements were analyzed using a Likert scale. Results indicate suitable evaluations from both students and teachers concerning the "Antigen-antibody module" as an auxiliary tool in immunology teaching. The software was well rated as an educational resource since it allows dynamically viewing immunological phenomena. In addition, its ease of use and immunological process visualization were the best-evaluated parameters by the students, who recommended this software module as an auxiliary learning tool. The use of the evaluated software may motivate students and aid in the understanding of immunology-related concepts, becoming a complementary tool that may enhance the teaching-learning process.

Adaptive learning (AL) courseware holds promise for helping break down challenges students face in college. In 2016-2017 we developed an AL Political Science course, Global Issues, implemented it across 51 classes and more than 5,200 students over the next two academic years, and initiated a study to assess student perceptions and performance. In each semester, except spring 2018 when half the sections used non-AL courseware, all sections were taught using the AL courseware. Across these AL sections and on every question in a survey of student perceptions, students gave highly positive perceptive ratings of the courseware. In the spring 2018 assessment of the AL courseware versus non-AL courseware, the perceptive differences between the adaptive and non-adaptive sections were statistically significant on 12 of 14 questions (though the difference in online classes was not significant and we found significant differentiation based on instructor rank). As for student performance, the difference between AL and non-AL classes again showed overall significance, though with marked between-instructor differences and again not in online classes. It is also important to note that first-year status informed the performance results, and the average DFW rate fell significantly once the AL courseware was introduced. Our findings support the case that AL courseware can be one tool that helps provide a useful foundation for student progression, satisfaction, and performance.

As digital learning becomes an increasingly popular modality for teaching and learning, so too has the use of courseware in postsecondary institutions. Approaching the design and implementation of digital courseware from an explicitly equity-minded perspective is vital to supporting historically marginalized students. I offer the Equity First Framework for Digital Learning, a set of six considerations for courseware designers and instructors seeking to leverage courseware as a tool to support equitable and just student learning.

This paper reports on the development of constructive EAP CALL courseware, and its integration into blended learning contexts, as a solution to the problems in EAP courses in Chinese universities. A case study of a defining skills package, developed for undergraduates at the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), is used to illustrate the design and integration of the courseware. Guided by constructivist learning theory, the design draws on a synthesis of language-centered, academic skills-centered, content-based and task-based approaches. The integration is evaluated through the quality of students' written work and evidence of their satisfaction with their defining skills improvement and the CALL courseware, based upon the data from a questionnaire survey. Web-based digital tools and multimodal media have been exploited to devise and produce CALL materials on defining skills. After three weeks of blended learning, students' learning outcomes and satisfaction with the courseware and its integration were significantly positive.