Introduction Extended reality, commonly abbreviated as XR, is an umbrella term that refers to three main technologies that combine the physical world with created digital worlds: virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). While all three technologies fall under the XR term, they differ in the extent to which they immerse their user; VR is a completely immersive experience, typically [...]
Introduction “Learning styles” is a pedagogical term that encompasses the many theories of how learners take in information, especially in the classroom. A foundational concept for learning styles theories is that individuals have different, and preferred, ways of learning. Many theories go further and posit that an individual’s learning can be optimized by customizing their education to fit their preferred style[1]. Specifically, we [...]
Introduction Over the past decade or so, Artificial Intelligence a.k.a. AI has taken the world by storm—some people are fully in support of AI’s many capabilities, while others argue that it does more harm than good. AI refers to machines' capability to learn through artificial neural networks that resemble humans’ [1]. However, AI is still in its infancy, and it’s difficult to tell [...]
Introduction How can we ensure that future generations are aware of misinformation online and are critical of what they consume? Our society is constantly changing how we consume media, and more than eight in ten Americans get their news from a computer, phone, or tablet. Younger people especially gravitate towards social media or news websites to get their information, instead of television or [...]
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic had many effects on society at large, but today’s students have suffered unique struggles that no generation before has dealt with. According to The Washington Post, in the spring of 2022, more than seventy-five percent of US schools reported concerns about students’ mental health.[1] Educators and researchers have since been trying to find ways to improve the wellbeing of [...]
Introduction Since ChatGPT launched in November 2022, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a topic of conversation in academic communities. Experts in all fields have been trying to decide if AI use should be allowed and, if so, how it can be detected and disclosed. The scientific publishing community also finds itself asking: what are the potential gains and risks of using AI to [...]
Introduction As technology continues to advance, so do opportunities for new and improved treatments for a variety of conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, or ASD. Virtual Reality (VR) has proven to be an effective tool that can be used to offer intervention and help students with ASD in an educational setting. ASD is a developmental disability that impacts a person's verbal and [...]
Introduction As education evolves in the 21st century, the methods and learning strategies taught to students must be adapted and transformed to better complement their experiences. According to the National Education Policy of 2009, teachers should adapt their teaching methods according to the needs of the students and situation.[1] Every child receiving their education today faces different struggles and carries different skills that [...]
Introduction In the United States, students who miss more than 15 days of school a year are considered chronically absent. While this has always been an issue in the US, the number of chronically absent students has doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic[1].The percentage of chronically absent students rose from 15 percent in 2019 to 28 percent in 2022[2].These numbers are concerning, as chronically [...]
What is Career and Technical Education (CTE)? Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a program that teaches specific career skills to students currently in middle school and high school. CTE is split into 16 “career clusters,” with each cluster focusing on skills necessary in industries such as health science, information technology, finance, and much more.[1] Each program focuses on developing applicable skills instead [...]