Richard Mayer

The purpose of this project is to systematically investigate how specific features of immersive virtual reality (IVR) can be used to improve student outcomes in science learning. In particular, the researchers will examine the effectiveness of visual and auditory IVR design features in enhancing learners' affective state and cognitive processing for learners in general and for specific subgroups of learners. IVR has the potential to cause a feeling of presence, emotional arousal, and situati...

The research team will develop and pilot test game-based interventions for students in middle school through early college that are intended to improve the executive function (EF) skills that are needed to enter rigorous academic disciplines. EF predicts success in many academic disciplines, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); however, explicit instruction in EF is rarely part of formal or informal education. The specific project goals are: (1) to design and d...