Books & Journal Articles
Publications
Four books and over 89 peer-reviewed articles spanning serious educational games, immersive learning environments, and STEM pedagogy — with new work published through 2026.
Authored & Edited Volumes
Books
Serious Educational Games
From Theory to Practice
The foundational volume that coined the term 'Serious Educational Games' — exploring how purposefully designed video games can serve as powerful tools for science and mathematics learning in K–12 classrooms.
Sense Publishers · 2008
Serious Educational Game Assessment
Practical Methods and Models for Educational Games, Simulations and Virtual Worlds
A practical guide to assessing learning within game-based and immersive environments, providing frameworks and methods for educators and researchers where traditional testing falls short.
Sense Publishers · 2010
V-Learning
Distance Education in the 21st Century Through 3D Virtual Learning Environments
Examines the design and implementation of synchronous 3D virtual learning environments for distance education, drawing on years of research and development at North Carolina State University.
Springer · 2012
Connecting Science and Engineering Education Practices in Meaningful Ways
Building Bridges
Explores the intersection of science and engineering education, offering frameworks for integrating disciplinary practices in ways that are meaningful, equitable, and aligned with national standards.
Springer · 2014
Peer-Reviewed Scholarship
Selected Articles
in press
Reasoning in Mixed Reality Serious Educational Games for Place-Based Climate Instruction
Newton, M.H., Annetta, L.A., & Cacace, R.M.
Journal of Science Education and Technology, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-026-10358-w
2026
Exploring the Evolutionary Process in Undergraduate Biology through Serious Educational Games
Annetta, L.A., Bressler, D.M., Newton, M.H., & Summers, K.
Journal of Education and Learning Technology, 7(4), pp. 411–422
2025
The Intersection of Socioscientific Issues, Computational Thinking, and Design Thinking: Toward a Framework of Inquiry Driven Disruptive Pedagogy
Annetta, L.A., Newton, M.H., & Schumann, K.
International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology, 13(3), pp. 791–811
2025
Connecting Visuospatial Self-Efficacy and Design Thinking in Science Teacher Mixed Reality Serious Educational Game Development
Annetta, L.A., Berry, C., & Newton, M.
Journal of Interactive Learning Research, 36(3), pp. 249–268
2024
Immersive Spatial Computing: How Technology Can Improve Science Content Reading and Vocabulary in Elementary Schools
Annetta, L.A., Johnson, A., Newton, M.H., & Franco, Y.
Education Sciences, 14(12), pp. 1355
2009
Investigating the Impact of Video Games on High School Students' Engagement and Learning about Genetics
Annetta, L.A., Minogue, J., Holmes, S.Y., & Cheng, M.
Computers & Education, 53(1), pp. 74–85
2010
Assessing Twenty-First Century Skills Through a Teacher Created Video Game for High School Biology Students
Annetta, L.A., Cheng, M., & Holmes, S.
Research in Science & Technological Education, 28(2), pp. 101–114
2018
A Meta-Analysis with Examination of Moderators of Student Cognition, Affect, and Learning Outcomes While Using Serious Educational Games, Serious Games, and Simulations
Lamb, R., Annetta, L., Firestone, J., & Etopio, E.
Computers in Human Behavior, 80, pp. 158–167
2019
Measuring the Relationship Between Presence and Learning in Immersive Virtual Reality
Annetta, L.A., Lamb, R., Vallett, D., & Bowling, B.
Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 56(4), pp. 480–503
2023
Extended Reality in Science Education: A Socio-Scientific Issues Framework for Barrier Island Coastal Resiliency
Annetta, L.A. et al.
Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 19(3), pp. em2244
For the complete list of publications, presentations, and grants:
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Funded projects, methodology, and areas of inquiry.