Week 4 EP Responses

Please respond to my colleague videos separately. PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS CARFULLY RESPONSE TO EACH POST IN A VERY AUTHENTIC AND GENUINE WAY. (substantive contributions). And when you respond to other colleagues’ post, you must add new research

Colleague post #1: Cognitive learning theories play a critical role in shaping effective virtual instruction because they emphasize how students process, retain, and apply information in meaningful ways. Masoud et al. (2024) conducted a systematic literature review to explore the pedagogical aspects of e-learning in higher education, driven by the rapid expansion of online learning and the need to identify evidence-based strategies that promote cognitive engagement and student success. The study intended to synthesize existing research on instructional practices that enhance deep learning and autonomy in virtual environments. Using a systematic review methodology, the authors analyzed numerous empirical studies across higher education contexts, focusing on cognitive engagement, interaction, and instructional design strategies. Results demonstrated that structured learning activities, scaffolded instruction, interactive collaboration, and immediate feedback significantly improved learners comprehension and retention. The findings support cognitive learning principles such as breaking information into manageable segments and encouraging active processing, which aligns with my belief that educators should provide practice opportunities, reinforcement, and flexible learning pathways to meet diverse student needs.

Similarly, the 2025 literature review on emotional engagement and teaching innovations examined how cognitive and emotional factors work together to promote deep learning and long-term retention in virtual instruction. The impetus for the review stemmed from growing concerns that traditional online teaching approaches lacked engagement and meaningful connection, leading to decreased motivation and learning outcomes. The intent was to analyze research on innovative strategies that foster cognitive processing through emotional engagement, including gamification, interactive discussions, and real-world application tasks. Using a comprehensive literature review approach, the authors synthesized findings from multiple studies involving diverse student populations in online educational settings. Results indicated that students demonstrated higher engagement, improved memory retention, and stronger problem-solving skills when learning activities encouraged participation, emotional investment, and active exploration. These outcomes support my perspective that games for memory, immediate feedback, and collaborative activities help make learning enjoyable and meaningful so that students remain engaged and motivated.

When synthesizing both studies, it becomes clear that effective virtual teaching requires intentional instructional design that addresses cognitive processing, emotional engagement, and diverse learner backgrounds. Both articles emphasize the importance of breaking down information piece by piece, creating opportunities for participation, and connecting learning to real-world experiences, strategies I strongly believe help students build trust, confidence, and deeper understanding. Additionally, the research highlights the need for flexibility and inclusivity, recognizing that students environments and access to resources can significantly influence their ability to succeed in virtual learning. These findings will directly influence my final project by encouraging me to understand the importance of scaffolded lessons, practice testing, interactive discussions, and relatable examples that promote engagement and retention while meeting varied learning styles. By combining cognitive learning theories with innovative virtual teaching strategies, educators can create supportive online environments that enhance student learning outcomes and encourage meaningful participation.

References:

PDF. (2025). Emotional Engagement and Teaching Innovations for Deep Learning and Retention in Education: A Literature Review. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 16(3)

Safarifard, R., Masoud, G. L., Hejazi, E., & Fatemeh, N. T. (2024). Pedagogical aspect of e-learning in higher education: A systematic literature review. Knowledge Management & E-Learning, 16(3), 521-546.

Colleague post #2: Recent snow days in my area unexpectedly pushed my children into virtual learning for several days. Watching them navigate online instruction in real time highlighted how much virtual learning success depends on structure, engagement, and self-regulation rather than content alone. That experience closely mirrors what the literature suggests about effective virtual instruction and helped frame my understanding of the following two studies.

Broadbent and Poon (2015) examined the role of self-regulated learning strategies in online higher education, responding to long-standing concerns about low engagement and retention in virtual courses. Prior research had established that online learners often struggle not due to lack of ability, but due to difficulties managing time, effort, and attention in less structured environments. The authors sought to clarify which self-regulated learning strategies were most strongly associated with academic success. Using a meta-analytic methodology, they reviewed 12 empirical studies involving online higher education students and analyzed effect sizes related to specific strategies such as time management, effort regulation, goal setting, and metacognitive monitoring. Academic achievement was measured through course grades and performance outcomes. Results indicated that time management, effort regulation, and metacognitive self-regulation had the strongest and most consistent positive relationships with academic achievement, while surface-level cognitive strategies showed weaker effects. These findings suggest that virtual learning environments place greater demands on learners executive functioning and self-monitoring skills than traditional classrooms.

Martin and Bolliger (2018) approached virtual learning from the perspective of engagement, focusing on which instructional strategies students perceive as most important for learning online. The study was grounded in earlier work identifying disengagement and isolation as major barriers in online education, but sought to move beyond general engagement concepts by identifying specific practices that support learning. Using a quantitative survey design, the authors collected data from 311 online higher education students who rated the importance of engagement strategies across learner-to-instructor, learner-to-content, and learner-to-learner domains. Findings showed that students consistently rated learner-to-instructor and learner-to-content engagement strategies as more important than peer interaction. Clear instructions, organized content, timely feedback, and instructor presence were strongly associated with perceived learning. These results emphasize that cognitive engagement in virtual settings is supported through intentional course design rather than reliance on student autonomy alone.

Synthesized together, these studies highlight a shared conclusion that effective virtual learning depends on structure, guidance, and support for self-regulation. Broadbent and Poon (2015) demonstrate that learners must actively manage their time, effort, and attention to succeed online, while Martin and Bolliger (2018) show that instructor presence and clear instructional design play a critical role in facilitating that process. Observing my own children struggle during snow-day virtual learning reinforced this connection. When expectations were unclear or feedback was delayed, engagement dropped quickly. When lessons were structured and instructors remained visible, their ability to stay focused improved noticeably. This mirrors what I often see in my clinical work, particularly with adolescents and adults who struggle with executive functioning, anxiety, or attention regulation. Virtual environments can magnify these challenges when cognitive supports are not built into instruction.

These findings directly inform my final project by reinforcing the importance of designing virtual or blended learning environments that balance cognitive demands with instructional scaffolding. Rather than assuming learners will independently self-regulate, effective virtual teaching must intentionally support these skills through clear organization, consistent feedback, and instructor presence. From both an educational psychology and clinical perspective, virtual learning works best when structure is not seen as restrictive, but as a necessary support for cognitive engagement and emotional regulation.

References

Broadbent, J., & Poon, W. L. (2015). Self-regulated learning strategies and academic achievement in online higher education. The Internet and Higher Education, 27, 113.

Martin, F., & Bolliger, D. U. (2018). Engagement matters: Student perceptions on the importance of engagement strategies in the online learning environment. Online Learning Journal, 22(1), 205222.

Colleague post #3: Article 1: Lin, M.-Y., Huang, M.-Z., & Lai, P.-C. (2024)

Background & Impetus for the Study

Lin, Huang, and Lai (2024) have performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) training in nursing education. The rationale behind the study is the growing utilization of VR as a means to simulate clinical situations with minimal risk, though the past studies provided discrepant results on the effects of VR on cognitive, affective, and psychomotor capacities of the students.

Hypothesis / Intent:

The purpose of the study was to assess the importance of VR training on clinical skills, knowledge, confidence, and satisfaction with learning in nursing students in comparison to traditional training.

Methods:

Sample: Eight randomized controlled trials were used to conduct the meta-analysis, and these involved nursing students.

Methodology: The authors compared the data offered in various databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Embase) and compared the results in cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains with the standardized effects.

Results:

VR training improved clinical skills significantly and positively affected the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains of learning.

There was increased confidence and satisfaction with learning.

VR has created a non-risk clinical practice environment to learn clinical skills.

Applicability to Virtual Teaching:

This research paper outlines the fact that with careful considerations on the development of a virtual learning environment, both learning performance and interaction with students can be optimized, with the application of cognitive learning principles in virtual instruction design.

Article 2: Ting Jii Toh & Tasir, Z. (2024)

Background and Motivation for the Study:

Toh and Tasir (2024) explored the effects of using mobile learning (m-learning) applications on the cognitive load and learning performance in secondary school students in biology. The preceding research shows that the cognitive load theory is significant in online education, yet there is limited research on mobile learning in secondary education.

Hypothesis / Intent:

The hypothesis of the study was that the accomplishment of learning performance and low mental burden among students using mobile learning tasks would be achieved with the implementation of cognitive load reduction strategies.

Methods:

Sample: 38 students at a Malaysian secondary school, randomly divided into an intervention (m-learning using the strategies of cognitive load) or a control group.

Methodology: Pre-test/post-test quasi-experimental, 4 weeks; t-tests, ANCOVA, and correlation were the methods of statistical data analysis.

Results:

Intervention group students had reduced cognitive load and learning performance as compared to the control group students.

The use of segmenting principles, modality, and pretraining was an effective way of maximizing learning experiences in the mobile world.

Applicability to Virtual Teaching:

This paper shows that properly created digital learning assignments on the foundations of the cognitive theory may significantly enhance knowledge acquisition and provide reduced cognitive load to support the design of successful online learning.

Synthesis of Findings

In both studies, virtual and mobile learning communities can be very useful when developed in consideration of the cognitive learning principles. Lin et al. (2024) focus on immersive, interactive VR to enhance learning results, whereas Toh and Tasir (2024) cultivate the role of the reduction of cognitive loads in mobile learning. They all show that successful virtual education is not one that passively takes up technology.

Impact on Final Project

To provide the design of effective online learning modules, my final project implies the following findings:

Take into consideration interactive, immersive features (such as VR simulation or interactive games) to increase interaction and learning.

Use cognitive load reducing strategy, which encompasses using clear segmenting, pretraining, and multimodal instructions to enhance knowledge retention.

Make sure that the module will nurture confidence and satisfaction, raising the motivation and results of learners.

References

Lin, M.-Y., Huang, M.-Z., & Lai, P.-C. (2024). Effect of virtual reality training on clinical skills of nursing students: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nurse Education in Practice, 81, N.PAG.

Toh, T. J., & Tasir, Z. (2024). The impact of a mobile learning application on students cognitive load and learning performance in biology. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 23, 126.