Utilizing Virtual and Personal Learning Environments for Optimal Learning

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.

Krista Terry is an Assistant Professor in the Instructional Technology program at Appalachian State University, where she teaches graduate students through the use of a 3D virtual environment. Prior to joining the faculty, Dr. Terry was the director of Radford Universitys Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the International Society for Teaching and Learning (ISETL), is a board member of the Applied Research in Virtual Worlds (ARVEL), SIG of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), and the Consortium for Research in Immersive and Online Learning Environments (CRIOLE). Dr. Terry is also an Associate Editor of the International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (IJTLHE). Her current research is focused on issues related to cognition and constructivist teaching methods in virtual and immersive teaching environments.

Dr. Amelia Cheney is an Assistant 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 Board member of the Applied Research in Virtual Worlds (ARVEL), 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 on the Technology Committee of the Virtual World Consortium, and as a steering committee member for the International Journal of Web-Based Communities. Her current research is focused on constructivist teaching and learning in virtual environments, particularly issues of community, presence, and the building of relationships.