While many school districts and institutions of higher education still cling to the traditional agrarian school year with a factory model delivery of education and Carnegie units based on seat time when most people are no longer farmers, factory workers, or reliant on learning in a classroom, there are bursts of promising practices that buck the norm by questioning the educational value of these traditions. Though researchers have investigated the potential of students learning in their own homes via personalized instruction delivered by computers rather than attending traditional institutions, the status quo in education has remained stubbornly resistant to change. Mixed-reality simulations, year-round schooling, grouping students by competencies instead of age, and game-based teaching are just a few of the educational innovations that seek to maximize learning by recognizing that innovation is essential for successfully teaching students in the modern era. The Handbook of Research on Innovations in Non-Traditional Educational Practices is a comprehensive reference source that examines various educational innovations, how they have developed workarounds to navigate traditional systems, and their potential to radically transform teaching and learning. With each chapter highlighting a different educational innovation such as experiential learning, game-based learning, online learning, and inquiry-based learning and their applications in all levels of education, this book explores the issues and challenges these educational innovations face as well as their impact. It is intended for academicians, professionals, administrators, and researchers in education and specifically benefits academic deans, vice presidents of academic affairs, graduate students, faculty technology leaders, directors of teaching and learning centers, curriculum and instructional designers, policymakers, principals and superintendents, and teachers interested in educational change.

Innovation in higher education is a process of institutional adaptation to changes in the environment that enables higher education institutions to improve their existing practice and to be innovative at different levels and in different forms. Moreover, innovativeness is also related to internal characteristics of higher education institutions. Innovation in higher education can be observed as a result of the changing contexts in which higher education institutions function. Adjacently, a comprehensive approach to considering innovativeness is needed in order to enable the examination of different elements of innovativeness in higher education, that is, to identify the key factors that (de)stimulate innovations and affect their interactions with other relevant stakeholders at the national level and beyond. The Handbook of Research on Enhancing Innovation in Higher Education Institutions is a critical scholarly book that examines innovativeness in higher education and its complications and diversity. Starting from the view that higher education is currently confronted by global forces that require new research ideas, the publication suggests that comprehensive understanding of innovativeness is imperative for higher education’s institutions in the 21st century. Analyzing the recognized trends within the publication and concluding which aspects should be taken to improve innovativeness in higher education, this reference book outlines quality and innovation in teaching, innovative university-business cooperation, institutional framework and governance of higher education institutions, knowledge management, and leadership and organizational culture. It is ideal for curriculum designers, administrators, researchers, policymakers, academicians, professionals, and students.

An innovation in learning improves upon the implementation of the standard practice or introduces a new practice, thus achieving greater learning outcomes. The Handbook on Innovations in Learning, developed by the Center on Innovations in Learning, presents commissioned chapters describing current best practices of instruction before embarking on descriptions of selected innovative practices which promise better methods of engaging and teaching students. Written by a diverse and talented field of experts, chapters in the Handbook seek to facilitate the adoption of the innovative practices they describe by suggesting implementation policies and procedures to leaders of state and local education agencies.

Due to the increasing trend of international interest in education for climate change and the environment, there has been an increase of research in the area. There is a current question on what the best methods and tools are for integrating climate change education and sustainability into school programs. These educational methods can create the development of effective responses, attitudes, and behaviors to adapt to climate change. Empirical and conceptual models must be explored to help those interested in learning and teaching environmental education and climate change and adding it to modern school curriculum. The Handbook of Research on Environmental Education Strategies for Addressing Climate Change and Sustainability produces innovative approaches, methods, and ideas in education for climate change, environment strategies, and sustainability along with the development of curriculum and strategies for sustainable development goals. The chapters encompass multiple disciplines such as geology, geography, remote sensing, geographic information systems, environmental science, and environmental engineering. This book is ideal for in-service and preservice teachers, administrators, teacher educators, practitioners, stakeholders, researchers, academicians, and students interested in educational strategies and curriculum for climate change and sustainability.

The increasingly pervasive use of digital technology has catapulted society into an interconnected world where the natural boundaries between humankind and machine, virtual and real, individual and community have become less perceptible. As individuals interact with different digital technologies, they must build a digital intelligence, which must be further cultivated as it is a key competency for the future of school and work. Digital intelligence includes understanding the mutual strengths between people and technology, as well as developing an awareness in the use of digital tools in order to avoid common threats such as cyberbullying, addiction to video games, techno-stress, and more. As adolescents continue to engage with virtual reality and 3D virtual worlds where the online and offline overlap and coincide, it is important to build this intelligence as well as utilize these technologies to promote successful learning. The Handbook of Research on Teaching With Virtual Environments and AI explores the new personalized educational opportunities that are available with digital technology and virtual environments that can be used within education. This book focuses on the use of these tools and how to navigate the use of new technologies such as AI and virtual environments for educational practices. While highlighting topics such as virtual worlds, game-based learning, intelligent tutoring, augmented reality, and more, this book is ideal for teachers, administrators, technologists, educational software developers, IT specialists, practitioners, researchers, academicians, and students interested in how virtual environments and AI are being implemented in teaching practices.

In modern education, students and teaching methodologies face many challenges that hinder smooth development. The digital age presents students with information overload, impeding the cultivation of their critical thinking skills. Traditional language teaching methods must be revised to prepare students for the intricacies of a globalized, multilingual world. The rise in academic demands contributes to heightened stress levels among students. Despite the urgency of environmental challenges, educational systems need a cohesive focus on eco-conscious practices. The abrupt transition to virtual learning during crises has exposed challenges in adapting to and fully realizing the potential of virtual environments. These interrelated issues underscore the imperative for a comprehensive solution that aligns pedagogical practices with the demands of contemporary society. Educational Innovation to Address Complex Societal Challenges begins by dissecting pedagogical renewal and educational innovation, illustrating their expansive reach and adaptability in addressing the diverse educational challenges of our time. It emphasizes that these innovative elements extend beyond mere educational enhancements, presenting many opportunities to catalyze substantial societal change. A crucial aspect highlighted is the reciprocal relationship between educational practices and social reality, creating a symbiotic circle that adds meaning to the educational process.

The advancement of digital tools has enabled the development of online language assessments, exams, evaluations, and feedback. Nonetheless, the language assessment literacy required of a teacher today is of a completely different kind, one that is adapted to the digital environment and altered for the pedagogical approaches of our new norm. There is a scarcity of literature addressing the challenges of in-person to online assessments, exams, evaluations, and feedback, particularly in the time of the COVID-19 education crisis. Emerging Practices for Online Language Assessment, Exams, Evaluation, and Feedback investigates the main challenges of online language assessment when migrating from an in-class to an online environment due to academic integrity, adaptation to the new testing environment, technical problems, and anxiety. Covering key topics such as parental involvement, self-assessment, and language learners, this premier reference source is ideal for administrators, policymakers, industry professionals, researchers, academicians, scholars, practitioners, instructors, and students.