CT-7500

Di Natale, A.F., Repetto, C., Riva, G., & Villani, D. (2020). Immersive virtual reality in k-12 and higher education: A 10-year systematic review of empirical research. British Journal of Educational Technology, 51(6), 2006-2033.
Immersive virtual reality (IVR) is a current trend that presents a robust experience for learners. It enables students to have an immersive, engaging, and interactive experience with content. Researchers also believe that the ability of a learner to engage in learning materials related to their own interests influences motivation. The authors reviewed 18 previous studies about the implementation of IVR in K-12 and higher education. They found advantages in learners being able to have first-hand experiences that they would not have in the real-world classroom. Although the samples of the study were small and there were some issues in being able to generalize results, IVR appears to be a promising use of technology in education.

Gewertz, C. (2019). 6 big mistakes that can undermine personalized learning efforts: What k-12 schools get wrong most often when they try to put personalized learning into practice. Education Week, 39(12), 23.
Personalized learning is a trend that is often discussed in relation to classroom inclusion and equity. This news article outline contains questions that need to be asked as well as recommendations in six areas focused on personalized learning in K-12 schools.

Herrenkohl, T.I., Hong, S., & Verbrugge, B. (2019). Trauma-informed programs based in schools: Linking concepts to practices and assessing evidence. American Journal of Community Psychology, 64(3-4), 373-388.
This article focuses on the trend of better-understanding children who have or are currently experiencing stress, adversity, and trauma in their life. Educators are seeking better ways to understand these students and being able to respond to their needs. School-based programs are examined through both school-wide initiatives and classroom-based initiatives. The benefits and challenges of programs are addressed as well as best practices.

Litvinov, A., Alvarez, B., Long, C., & Walker, T., (2018, August 3). 10 challenges facing education today. NEA Today.
Read this article for a closer look at the challenges facing education. School funding, school safety, technology, and school choice are among the issues discussed in this article.

Montoya, A. L., & Summers, L.L. (2021). 8 dimensions of wellness for educators. The Learning Professional, 42(1), 51-53, 62.
Teacher burnout and wellness is a growing issue of concern in education especially given the COVID 19 pandemic. This article looks at eight different aspects of teacher wellness and how they are interconnected.

The U.S. K-12 digital divide has narrowed but must close to eliminate risks to students and the economy.
Plus Company Updates. (2021, January 28), p. NA. Gale General OneFile.
The digital divide has been an important issue in K-12 education for some time now. However, the COVID 19 pandemic has exacerbated the need for technology in many schools. This news article proposes the need for leadership and the depth of the financial investment that will be needed to close the digital divide.