Due to the recent global pandemic, educators of science and technology have had to pivot and adapt their delivery to create alternative virtual means of delivery. The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced a rapid change in teaching and learning in higher education. It is reshaping curriculum demands, the 21st century digital competence challenges, and learning technologies. These changes in education are likely to endure well past the COVID-19 pandemic, making it crucial for educators to consider teaching and learning under the perspectives of digital education and innovation. Advancing STEM Education and Innovation in a Time of Distance Learning highlights the contemporary trends and challenges in science, technology, mathematics, and engineering education. The chapters present findings and discussions of relevant research studies and theoretical frameworks for the provision of science, technology, engineering, and technical subjects. It not only presents successful practice examples from before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also provides useful information to assist educators in understanding the demands and challenges of digital education. Covering topics such as ethnically diverse students, foreign language learning, and mobile gamification, this premier reference source is an essential resource for educators and administrators of both K-12 and higher education, pre-service teachers, teacher educators, librarians, government officials, researchers, and academicians.

The construction industry, a cornerstone of modern development, must meet the growing demand for new buildings while minimizing environmental impact. As global populations rise and living standards improve, the need for sustainable building practices has never been more apparent. Traditional construction methods and materials contribute significantly to carbon emissions, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss. Addressing these issues requires innovative solutions that balance development needs with environmental stewardship. Innovations in Energy Efficient Construction Through Sustainable Materials offers a comprehensive response to this pressing problem. The book explores pioneering approaches to building design and construction, focusing on the use of alternative, low-carbon materials and advanced technologies. It provides an in-depth analysis of current and future trends in sustainable construction, covering topics such as recycling waste materials, utilizing biodegradable resources, and implementing energy-efficient designs. By presenting a variety of research fields and practical applications, the book bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world solutions, making it an essential resource for industry professionals, researchers, and advanced students.

Chatbots powered by artificial intelligence (AI) have captivated the academic world as tools for human-like interaction across various settings. Within the realm of education, AI-powered chatbots, such as ChatGPT, hold the potential to revolutionize teaching, learning, and research processes. By simulating human conversation through vast data and machine learning algorithms, generative AI has unveiled new opportunities for personalized and adaptive learning experiences. Facilitating Global Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing in Higher Education With Generative AI delves into the promising prospects and challenges of applying generative AI in education while employing a critical interdisciplinary perspective. The book offers comprehensive insights into the transformative effects of generative AI on teaching, learning, and research. However, the application of generative AI in education also brings ethical, pedagogical, and technical challenges to the forefront. Concerns over privacy, data protection, and the impact of automation on human interaction and creativity demand thorough examination and practical solutions. Intended for educators, researchers, and administrators in higher education institutions, as well as policymakers and industry professionals at the intersection of AI and higher education. The book encompasses a wide range of themes, including the impact of AI-generated content on student engagement and performance in online learning environments, ethical implications of automating education through AI-powered chatbots, personalization of learning experiences for diverse student populations, and the challenges of integrating generative AI into traditional classroom settings.

The possibilities of the virtual age can provide many valuable resources and opportunities for teachers, preservice teachers, and teacher educators. However, in order to utilize these resources responsibly and productively, the researchers and practitioners of teaching and teacher education must better understand the new potentials and pitfalls related to teaching and learning that are present within the virtual age. The Handbook of Research on Advancing Teaching and Teacher Education in the Context of a Virtual Age focuses on the recent innovations in teaching and teacher educations as well as innovations in the curriculum and pedagogy of teacher education. It deepens discussions related to how teacher education can address educational possibilities within this digital age. Covering topics such as learning material adaptation, teacher talent pipelines, and metaverse, this major reference work is a comprehensive resource for administrators and educators of both K-12 and higher education, teacher educators, pre-service teachers, government officials, librarians, researchers, and academicians.

Each new technological innovation creates new opportunities in the field of education and affects the learning preferences of individuals. In this respect, it is important to investigate the ways to use these technologies in education to ensure learners receive the best possible education. Shaping the Future of Online Learning: Education in the Metaverse discusses up-to-date knowledge and experience regarding emerging technologies, processes, and applications for online learning. The book also provides a guide for technology enthusiasts, online course designers, and institutions that facilitate the innovative technologies in online learning. Covering critical topics such as augmented reality, virtual reality, immersive learning, and gamification, this reference work is ideal for instructional designers, educational software developers, programmers, teachers, policymakers, administrators, principals, industry professionals, researchers, scholars, practitioners, academicians, instructors, and students.

Collaborative approaches to special education that seek to provide innovative, creative, and novel ways to disrupt current structures and practices are necessary to move the field towards a more inclusive model for educating students with disabilities. Multiple professionals are involved in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities, extending the pool of stakeholders in special education far beyond the special education teacher. Achieving a strong understanding between the multiple professions involved in IEP development and implementation will improve data-based individualization, the fidelity of program implementation, and the sustainability of practices and services. The Handbook of Research on Interdisciplinary Preparation for Equitable Special Education explores and highlights interdisciplinary personnel preparation to advance special education and enhance outcomes for students with disabilities. This book also provides theories and frameworks, examples, and discussions around innovations and lessons learned from interdisciplinary preparation programs and practices. Covering key topics such as educator preparation models, equity, diverse students, and educator competencies, this premier reference source is ideal for administrators, principals, researchers, academicians, practitioners, scholars, instructors, and students.