Utilizing Virtual and Personal Learning Environments for Optimal Learning: (Advances in Educational Technologies and Instructional Design)

The integration of emerging technologies in higher education presents a new set of challenges and opportunities for educators. With a growing need for customized lesson plans in online education, educators are rethinking the design and development of their learning environments. Utilizing Virtual and Personal Learning Environments for Optimal Learning expertly combines informative chapters and relevant case studies on the effective use of technology to enhance online education for students of varying learning styles and abilities. This publication is an essential reference source for educators, researchers, professionals, and upper-level students with an interest in leveraging digital technologies and virtual environments to enhance personalization in learning. This publication features timely research and case studies focused on online teaching and learning techniques in higher education including immersive technologies, research methodologies, and pedagogical designs.

About the Author :
Krista Terry is an Associate Professor at Appalachian State University, where she teaches in both the Instructional Technology and Higher Education program areas. Prior to joining the faculty at Appalachian State, Dr. Terry was the director of the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning at Radford University. She is President-elect of the International Society for Teaching and Learning (ISETL) and Chair of the Applied Research in Immersive Environments for Learning (ARIEL) SIG of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). Dr. Terry is also a Co-Editor of the International Journal of Virtual and Personal Learning Environments and Associate Editor of the International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (IJTLHE). Her current research interests include exploring a variety of cognitive and learning issues involved in teaching online. Amelia Cheney is an Associate Professor in and Program Director for the Instructional Technology program at Appalachian State University, where she has taught in 3D virtual environments since 2006. Prior to joining the faculty, Dr. Cheney had more than thirteen years experience in K-12 education, including serving as a high school teacher and a Chief Technology Officer for two school districts. She is a Chair of the Applied Research in Immersive Environments for Learning (ARiEL) SIG of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), as well as Past-President and current Board member of the North Carolina Technology in Education Society (NCTIES). Dr. Cheney also serves as Executive Director of the Consortium for Research in Immersive and Online Learning Environments (CRIOLE). and North American Program Chair for the Immersive Learning Research Network (ILRN). She is co-Editor of the International Journal for Virtual and Personal Learning Environments (IJVPLE). Her current research is focused on constructivist teaching and learning in virtual environments, particularly issues of community, presence, and the building of relationships.