Learning Design Experiments (LDEs), which take their name from design experiments in the learning sciences (Brown 1992), support educational innovation and progressive refinement of learning experiences by taking an evidence-centered design perspective (e.g., Kim, Almond, and Shute, 2016). The cyclical LDE process (see Figure 1) begins with identifying a problem of practice … [Read more...]

Regardless of the setting in which learning takes place, identifying the goals and intended outcomes of an educational experience, then measuring how well that experience achieved them, is becoming more commonplace and is often essential. However, many traditional forms of evaluation and research—such as action research, participatory evaluation, professional inquiry, and r … [Read more...]

Many formal and informal science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning programs want to understand the impact their work has on learner outcomes. This can be difficult, especially in informal settings (e.g., afterschool programs, museum exhibits) that have limited resources to develop measures for the outcomes of interest. Additionally, several programs may be … [Read more...]

Virtual reality has seen rapid development in the first part of the 21st century, although it has been around for many years. Remember the old ViewMasters? And who could forget the first time a sea monster reached out to grab you while you were wearing your 3-D glasses in the movie theater? The video game industry has evolved and driven the development of virtual reality into … [Read more...]