Strategies to Promote Engagement, Learning, and Belonging in Online Learning

Session Description

AR technology enriches learning through the Internet of Things (IoT). Using ARs, other forms of sensory contact (e.g., touch, taste, and smell) can be used to promote learning and expand learning opportunities. In the future, smart glasses will allow students to connect remotely without leaving physical locations. Changing student demographics, worldwide aging populations, individual motivational factors, and rapid changes in the workplace environment have led to significant numbers of adults seeking higher education. Between 75 million and 375 million workers will be required to transition jobs by 2030 to remain in the workforce. When new or additional skills and knowledge are necessary, online learning is one of the most convenient ways for adult learners to access education.

One of the key benefits of AR/VR is the enhancement of the learning experience by eliminating distractions using immersive devices in AR and headsets with audio devices and tactile sensors in VR. This approach to learning is more effective when the concepts are put to practical use through simulations. Another benefit of AR is the provision of increased personalization via virtual training rooms, allowing learners to interact in real-time with their online instructors. Through AR, lessons come to life, and learning becomes more dynamic and easier to grasp through video simulations. Including multidimensional images and riveting animations in lessons can lead to enhanced lectures that capture learners' interest. These creative presentations spark curiosity and drive learners to participate in lessons more proactively, increasing motivation to continue learning and mitigating the isolation associated with virtual learning.

Presenter(s)

Pamayla Darbyshire
University of Phoenix AZ
Washington, UT, USA

Pamayla Darbyshire is a Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR) research fellow, a long-time member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honour Society of Nursing, and a peer reviewer for numerous international scientific journals, including The Qualitative Report and The AORN Journal. She is a mentor for doctoral students. Dr. Darbyshire is a member of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) National Research Committee, involved in grant approvals. She is an active Case Management Society of America (CMSA) member and a core Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) committee member. Her research focus is case management and chronic diseases, and she has presented at numerous virtual conferences with an international audience. Dr. Darbyshire has co-authored for Phoenix Scholar, The AORN Journal, and other peer-reviewed journals.

Maria Navarro
University of Phoenix
AZ. USA

Dr. Navarro holds a doctoral degree in Applied Experimental and Human Factors Psychology from the University of Central Florida. Dr. Navarro is a Research Fellow with the Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research and serves as a University Research Methodologist for the University of Phoenix. Dr. Navarro’s research interests are cognition and cognitive ergonomics, including how humans learn, understand, and process information. Within this area, Dr. Navarro has developed a special interest in online teaching and learning, has participated in developing online course shells, and is certified by Quality Matters, a national program in quality assurance in the online learning space.

Louise Underdahl
University of Phoenix
AZ, USA

Louise Underdahl, PhD, earned a BA (English Literature) at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), followed by the MSLS, MPA, and PhD at the University of Southern California. She served at UCLA from 1978 to 1992, at UCLA Health Risk Management from 1992 to 2017, and at the University of Phoenix Online since 2004. She is a Doctoral Instructor for the College of Doctoral Studies and actively participates in University of Phoenix Research Hub activities, such as the annual Knowledge Without Boundaries Research Summit. Focusing on work attitudes, she is a Senior Fellow for the Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research, reviewer for the Dissertation to Publication Workshop, volunteer research associate for the Global Institute of Experienced Entrepreneurship, recipient of the University of Phoenix’s 2022 Faculty of the Year, 2023 Phoenix500 recognition, and leads collaborative research on promoting entrepreneurial success.