Targeted Infusion Project: Using Immersive VR Environments to Improve Student Success for Online Students

历史上的黑人学院和大学本科项目（HBCU- up）通过有针对性的输液项目支持基于证据的创新模式和方法的开发、实施和研究，以改善HBCU本科生的准备和成功，使他们可以追求科学、技术、工程或数学（STEM）研究生课程和/或职业。该项目旨在北卡罗来纳农业技术大学利用增强现实和虚拟现实等创新技术实施在线体验式信息和电子技术课程。主要目标是调查这些课程对学生成功、保留和参与的影响，特别是对传统上在STEM领域代表性不足的群体的高等教育学生的影响。该项目有助于提高未来招聘人员和研究人员的知识。它揭示了增强现实和虚拟现实在总体上加强在线STEM教育，特别是在hbcu的有效性。这个项目的优点在于它开创性地使用了尖端策略，以增加hbcu和其他高等教育机构技术项目的学生入学率。通过促进创新和解决美国预计的熟练STEM专业人员短缺问题，该项目符合推动经济增长和培养更强大的STEM劳动力的总体目标。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) through Targeted Infusion Projects supports the development, implementation, and study of evidence-based, innovative models and approaches for improving the preparation and success of HBCU undergraduate students so that they may pursue science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) graduate programs and/or careers. This project aims to implement online, experiential Information and Electronics Technology courses using innovative technologies such as augmented and virtual reality at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical University.The primary objective is to investigate the impact of these courses on student success, retention, and engagement, particularly among postsecondary students from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields. This project contributes to advancing the knowledge of future recruiters and researchers. It sheds light on the efficacy of augmented and virtual reality to enhance online STEM education in general and at HBCUs in specific. The merit of this project lies in its pioneering use of cutting-edge strategies to bolster the enrollment of students in technology programs at HBCUs and other institutions of higher education. By promoting innovation and addressing the projected shortage of skilled STEM professionals in the United States, the project aligns with the overarching goal of driving economic growth and fostering a more robust STEM workforce.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.