Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Discipline
-
- Higher Education (270)
- Engineering (135)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (131)
- Educational Methods (105)
- Curriculum and Instruction (101)
-
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research (96)
- Online and Distance Education (92)
- Aviation (88)
- Science and Mathematics Education (79)
- Psychology (47)
- Aviation and Space Education (46)
- Business (46)
- Physical Sciences and Mathematics (45)
- Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (45)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development (44)
- Other Education (39)
- Aerospace Engineering (36)
- Higher Education and Teaching (35)
- Educational Leadership (34)
- Educational Technology (34)
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education (26)
- Aviation Safety and Security (25)
- Educational Psychology (25)
- Adult and Continuing Education (24)
- Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration (24)
- Educational Administration and Supervision (22)
- Arts and Humanities (20)
- Engineering Education (18)
- Higher Education Administration (18)
- Keyword
-
- Education (48)
- Higher education (42)
- Aviation (28)
- Online learning (25)
- Training (23)
-
- College publications (21)
- College yearbooks (21)
- Yearbooks (21)
- Assessment (18)
- STEM (17)
- Teaching (15)
- Distance learning (14)
- Online education (13)
- Diversity (12)
- Leadership (12)
- Learning (12)
- Curriculum (11)
- Flight training (11)
- Research (11)
- Homeland security (10)
- Instructional design (10)
- Technology (10)
- Aviation education (9)
- Native Impact (9)
- Online (9)
- Communication (8)
- Pedagogy (8)
- Aviation Education (7)
- Cognitive load (7)
- Distance education (7)
- Publication Year
- Publication
-
- Publications (354)
- National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS) (56)
- International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace (48)
- Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research (37)
- Phoenix Class Yearbooks (21)
-
- International Bulletin of Political Psychology (17)
- Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses (13)
- Master's Theses - Daytona Beach (8)
- Student Works (7)
- Aeronautics, Graduate Studies - Worldwide (6)
- Applied Aviation Sciences - Daytona Beach (6)
- Aviation / Aeronautics / Aerospace International Research Conference (6)
- Security Studies & International Affairs - Daytona Beach (6)
- Staff Works - Hunt Library (6)
- Introduction to Research Methods RSCH 202 (5)
- University Student Success UNIV 101 (4)
- Discovery Day - Prescott (3)
- Journal of Digital Forensics, Security and Law (3)
- Office of the Registrar (3)
- School of Graduate Studies - Daytona Beach (3)
- Curriculum Development (2)
- EROS and Other External Training (2)
- Native Impact Overview (2)
- Office of Diversity & Inclusion (2)
- Undergraduate Research Symposium - Prescott (2)
- Aeronautical Science - Prescott (1)
- Beyond: Undergraduate Research Journal (1)
- Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings (1)
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science - Daytona Beach (1)
- Digital Commons Southeastern User Group (DC SEUG) 2019 (1)
- Publication Type
- File Type
Articles 1 - 30 of 644
Full-Text Articles in Education
Stress, Anxiety, And Depression In Aerospace Students, Harley L. Waters
Stress, Anxiety, And Depression In Aerospace Students, Harley L. Waters
National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)
This study investigates and compares the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among a sample of 574 undergraduate students in the Aerospace Professional Pilot concentration, Aerospace majors in concentrations other than Professional Pilot, and Non-Aerospace students at Middle Tennessee State University. This study sought to determine if Aerospace students exhibited higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. The participants of this study completed the DASS-21, a survey instrument that measures three separate constructs: depression, anxiety, and stress. The scores from this survey were used to compare depression, anxiety, and stress levels between the three groups of students using ANOVA and …
Shaping Aam Educational Methods: A Comparison Of Traditional And Compressed Class Schedules In Uas Classes., Collin D. Mcdonald, Daniel Siao, Kevin Corns
Shaping Aam Educational Methods: A Comparison Of Traditional And Compressed Class Schedules In Uas Classes., Collin D. Mcdonald, Daniel Siao, Kevin Corns
National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is a paradigm shift in the versatility of the aviation industry. The obvious benefits of this platform will revolutionize a variety of aspects of the industry. One of the aspects in which the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recommended research is the effectiveness of the traditional educational methods. Spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, online teaching methodologies have become widely accepted in aviation. In addition, the format of traditional, instructor-led courses have also changed. Compressed schedules (accelerated courses) have become an additional option in some programs.
To better understand if there are statistically significant differences in testing …
How Intensity Impacts Success In Collegiate Flight Programs, Andrew Leonard Ph.D.
How Intensity Impacts Success In Collegiate Flight Programs, Andrew Leonard Ph.D.
Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research
With colleges and universities continuing to face challenges around student retention and degree completion, collegiate aviation program are attempting to find ways to improve the success rate of students enrolled in their programs. This is more important than ever as the demand for pilots in the commercial aviation industry continues to grow (Boeing, 2022). Research has shown that there is a connection between effort and success in higher education. Astin (1993) identified and measured student effort by the amount of time spent on tasks studying. He indicated a positive correlation with almost every academic outcome he tested, including grades, persistence, …
Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Game-Based Virtual Reality In Satellite Ground Control Operations Education And Training, Lana Laskey, Joseph R. Keebler, Paul M. Cairns, Geovanny Lopez
Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Game-Based Virtual Reality In Satellite Ground Control Operations Education And Training, Lana Laskey, Joseph R. Keebler, Paul M. Cairns, Geovanny Lopez
International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace
There is increased global demand for satellite amenities such as navigation, communications, weather reporting, disaster management, agricultural operations, or humanitarian assistance. The growing demand for satellite technology amplifies the need for highly trained satellite operators. Traditional simulation training methods typically utilize two-dimensional computer displays. However, training approaches involving game-based instruction and immersive virtual reality have shown benefits when integrated with complex disciplines and may provide an advanced training alternative for satellite operators. Game-based instruction enhances user motivation and cognitive engagement, while immersive virtual reality promotes user presence and prolonged cognitive engagement. The combination of these two training methods, noted as …
Deep Change Theory: Implications For Educational Development Leaders, Caitlin Martin, Elizabeth Wardle
Deep Change Theory: Implications For Educational Development Leaders, Caitlin Martin, Elizabeth Wardle
Publications
While chapters 1 and 2 explore the promise of theoretical frameworks for making conceptual change that leads to innovative action around teaching and learning in higher education, they also point out the challenges to this kind of work as teams of faculty strive to lead change in their programs and departments after completing the program. To summarize our claims thus far: one of the goals for the HCWE Faculty Writing Fellows Program is to empower faculty who participate to return to their departments to make programmatic changes—changes they identify as central to their work and values and program culture. The …
Is The Declining Birthrate Really An Issue For The Economy?, Harsh Ramesh Pednekar, Theodore Lee, Darrion Chin
Is The Declining Birthrate Really An Issue For The Economy?, Harsh Ramesh Pednekar, Theodore Lee, Darrion Chin
Introduction to Research Methods RSCH 202
This study aims to explore the complex implications of declining birth rates on the economy, focusing on GDP per capita as a crucial metric, and aims to uncover both potential opportunities and challenges stemming from this demographic transformation using regression analysis. Using a quantitative methodology and secondary data from OECD.stat, World Population Review, and World Bank, the study explores the relationship between declining birth rates and economic impacts. GDP per capita serves as an essential dependent variable, and it accounts for control variables such as labour force participation, literacy, and education levels, child dependence ratio, and physical capital. Past studies …
Strategies For Engagement Of Non-Traditional Students In Engineering-Related Courses, Kimberly T. Luthi Dr., David Harvie, Keith Wilson, Monica Surrency
Strategies For Engagement Of Non-Traditional Students In Engineering-Related Courses, Kimberly T. Luthi Dr., David Harvie, Keith Wilson, Monica Surrency
Publications
Project Goals
Overview
- Goal #1: Increase students' commitment to engineering pathways.
- Goal #2: Increase academic performance and persistence in engineering.
- Goal #3: Increase persistence of Veterans in engineering pathways.
Research Questions
- How does students' participation in peer-led team learning activities in online engineering courses correlate to their a) commitment to engineering, b) engineering identity, and c) self-efficacy.
- How do students in peer-led team learning activities compare to students in non-PLTL groups in terms of a) academic performance and b) persistence in engineering pathways?
Does Removing Quizzes Impact Student Performance In An Online Course?, John Griffith
Does Removing Quizzes Impact Student Performance In An Online Course?, John Griffith
Publications
Data for 295 college online introductory statistics students were examined to determine if removing four module (weekly) quizzes impacted student performance on a cumulative exam. In this research, student performance was not significantly impacted by the removal of the quizzes. The difference in the exam mean score earned by the group of students who did not take quizzes was less than 0.8 of a point lower than the exam average for students who took the quizzes prior to the exam. Withdraw rates significantly declined from 5 percent to 1 percent. Results of this study support the idea that course designers …
Defending Against External Influences On Educational Data: The Role Of Policies And Procedures, Emily Faulconer, Debra Bourdeau
Defending Against External Influences On Educational Data: The Role Of Policies And Procedures, Emily Faulconer, Debra Bourdeau
Publications
Within higher education, there has been increased focus over recent decades on evaluating our teaching practices to provide high-quality evidence of student learning for both internal and external assessment. Even at institutions without a college of education, many faculty are engaged in the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) and/or discipline-based educational research (DBER). While studies are very diverse, and include qualitative and quantitative measures, common data points include student assessment scores and final course grades. In investigations using these measures, researchers acknowledge various mediating and moderating variables, but one particularly impactful variable is often ignored – administrative policies and …
Humanizing Online Stemm Education, Emily Faulconer
Humanizing Online Stemm Education, Emily Faulconer
Publications
The instructor and course design can make a difference in online STEM course persistence.
Humanizing Online Stemm Education, E. K. Faulconer
Humanizing Online Stemm Education, E. K. Faulconer
Publications
Students want to see themselves in the curriculum and learning environment. How to foster the formation of STEM identity: studying diversity in an authentic learning environment. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-020-00254-z
•Students notice diversity in the curriculum •Students intertwine their gender and ethnic identities with STEM identity
•Attention to diversity and inclusion can build positive STEM identities Engaging in science practices in classrooms predicts increases in undergraduates’ STEM motivation, identity, and achievement. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21623
• Recognition as a scientist and positive classroom climate related to learning outcomes for underrepresented minority students
Systems Thinking Applied To Higher Education Curricula Development, Reza Rahdar, Mark London, Yuetong Lin, Hong Jiang
Systems Thinking Applied To Higher Education Curricula Development, Reza Rahdar, Mark London, Yuetong Lin, Hong Jiang
Publications
Systems Thinking (ST) is a general and yet nebulous term that describes an approach to understanding and working with complexity in the real world. ST seeks to evaluate different behaviors of individual system elements when they operate in isolation as opposed to when they are integrated as part of a larger system and placed within a particular operating environment. The education environment consists of multiple systems with different digital content, learning goals/outcomes that serve different stakeholders including teachers, learners, and administrators. The inherent complexity and interaction among these various educational system elements and functions make this environment a worthy candidate …
Operationalizing The Duty Of Care Through Rubrics, Emily Faulconer
Operationalizing The Duty Of Care Through Rubrics, Emily Faulconer
Publications
Laboratory experiments are a key aspect of science education. However, they do have risks, and accidents do happen. Science educators have a duty of care, which includes duty of instruction. One tool that can be leveraged for duty of instruction is course rubrics. Including clear safety criteria in the rubric operationalizes the duty of care and allows students to clearly understand safety expectations and competencies. Specifically, the use of organizing schemes such as RAMP (recognize hazards, assess risks, minimize risks, prepare for emergencies) in rubrics can provide clear communication to students.
Career Choice Motivation For Commercial Pilots, Brett Watts
Career Choice Motivation For Commercial Pilots, Brett Watts
Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses
Career choice motivation research studies the factors involved during a person’s decision-making process regarding which career to pursue (Skatova & Ferguson, 2014). These factors are often studied in individuals who have not yet entered the workforce, such as students. Although there is a significant amount of research on career choice motivations for doctors, dentists, and other related fields, research on career choice motivations for pilots is sparse. As air traffic is expected to grow at approximately 4.7% per year for the next 20 years (Federal Aviation Administration, 2022), a key factor in the aviation industry’s growth is the availability of …
Board 256: Development And Evolution Of Workshops To Support Online Undergraduate Research, Dr. Robert Deters, Dr. Brent Terwilliger, Emily Faulconer, Dr. Kelly A. George
Board 256: Development And Evolution Of Workshops To Support Online Undergraduate Research, Dr. Robert Deters, Dr. Brent Terwilliger, Emily Faulconer, Dr. Kelly A. George
Publications
Under a National Science Foundation (NSF) Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE) grant, the Research Scholars Program was developed at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University — Worldwide. The objective of the Research Scholars Program is to promote undergraduate research for the online students at the Worldwide campus and to formalize the process in which the students can participate in research. A significant aspect of the project was to create a support network for the students that incorporated existing services provided by the university and established new services to aid students throughout their mentored research experience. One of the new services was the development …
Impact Of Critical Narrative On Students’ Abilities To Recognize Ethical Dilemmas In Engineering Work, Jeff Brown, Chad Rohrbacher, Taylor J. Mitchell, Dr. Leroy Long Iii, Jenna Korentsides, Joseph R. Keebler
Impact Of Critical Narrative On Students’ Abilities To Recognize Ethical Dilemmas In Engineering Work, Jeff Brown, Chad Rohrbacher, Taylor J. Mitchell, Dr. Leroy Long Iii, Jenna Korentsides, Joseph R. Keebler
Publications
This study aims to investigate the impact of exposure to critical narratives on students' abilities to recognize ethical dilemmas and broader impacts in engineering work. Critical narratives are place-based stories that engage students and help them enhance their critical thinking skills by making connections between the narratives, broader impacts of engineering work, and their responsibility to address these issues. The effectiveness of the critical narrative intervention was assessed by implementing discussion-based assignments around three critical narratives, which required students to listen to the narrative, respond to focus questions, engage with their peers, and reflect on the process. The intervention was …
Comparing Weekly Reflection Surveys And A Midterm Survey: Insights On Formative Feedback In Graphical Communication Education, Lulu Sun, Chad Rohrbacher
Comparing Weekly Reflection Surveys And A Midterm Survey: Insights On Formative Feedback In Graphical Communication Education, Lulu Sun, Chad Rohrbacher
Publications
The authors report on a pedagogical feedback strategy employed in a first-year engineering graphics course, which implemented a flipped classroom model for self-regulated learning. Class time was reserved for activities and content clarifications. To encourage self-regulated learning and just-in-time teaching modifications, students completed a weekly mixed methods survey in the fall semester of 2022. Over each semester, 12 weeks of student data were collected. To further understand students’ concerns and capture potentially different voices, an anonymous midterm survey was administered by the Center of Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) in the middle of the fall semester of 2022. A comparison …
Blurred Boundaries: Sussing Out Thresholds Between Wac And Wpa In Administrative Professionalization, Amy T. Cicchino, Mandy Olejnik, Christina Lavecchia, Al Harahap
Blurred Boundaries: Sussing Out Thresholds Between Wac And Wpa In Administrative Professionalization, Amy T. Cicchino, Mandy Olejnik, Christina Lavecchia, Al Harahap
Publications
Over the past 50 years, the field of WAC has increasingly shifted from discussions of starting programs to efforts of sustaining programs (Cox, Galin, & Melzer, 2018). Similarly, WAC pedagogical support has moved from the oneoff workshop model of “writing-to-learn” pedagogy (Walvoord, 1996) to other models of effecting long-term change with faculty (Glotfelter, Updike, & Wardle, 2020; Martin, 2021). Alongside these programmatic and pedagogical trends, we argue that WAC administrative support and professionalization need to similarly grow. To work toward sustainability as a field, we need to (re)consider the professionalization of WAC administrators—both in graduate school and throughout their careers.
Effects Of Isotonic Drinks On Academic Performance For University Students In Singapore, Sze Hiang Lee, Hursh Tarun Sanghavi, Xavier Tan, Ruhaan Das
Effects Of Isotonic Drinks On Academic Performance For University Students In Singapore, Sze Hiang Lee, Hursh Tarun Sanghavi, Xavier Tan, Ruhaan Das
Introduction to Research Methods RSCH 202
There are several factors that impact the academic performance of university students. The consumption of isotonic drinks is a factor that has not been explored enough to form a conclusive statement regarding its effects on academic performance. We will conduct an experiment in Singaporean universities to analyze the mean change in the scores of aptitude tests using a Paired Sample t-Test. We will also conduct a survey to compare how age, gender, study hours, sleep hours, smoking status, and exercise frequency correlate with measures of academic performance. Using regression analysis, we will determine which variables are associated with better levels …
Supporting Undergraduate Research For Globally Distributed Students And Mentors, Emily Faulconer, Brent Terwilliger, Robert Deters
Supporting Undergraduate Research For Globally Distributed Students And Mentors, Emily Faulconer, Brent Terwilliger, Robert Deters
Publications
Undergraduate research is widely viewed as a high-impact practice. However, participation in undergraduate research among students completing degree programs exclusively online may be impeded due to barriers such as access limitations, time poverty, and adequate institutional support. Through an NSF I-USE project (#2021221), we formed a framework of support, including a research independent study course and a mentoring program, where we deliberately separated and defined the roles of research supervisor and research mentor. In this session, we will discuss interview data on the experiences of faculty and students in both the credit-bearing active research as well as the non-credit-bearing research …
Extracting A Body Of Knowledge As A First Step Towards Defining A United Software Engineering Curriculum Guideline, Anton Kiselev
Extracting A Body Of Knowledge As A First Step Towards Defining A United Software Engineering Curriculum Guideline, Anton Kiselev
Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses
In general, the computing field is a rapidly changing environment, and as such, software engineering education must be able to adjust quickly to new needs. Industry adapts to technologies as fast as it can, but the critical issue is a need for recent graduates with the necessary expertise and knowledge of new trends, technologies, and practical experience. The industries that employ graduates of computing degree programs aim to hire those who are familiar with the latest technical traits, tools, and methodologies to meet these needs, and the software engineering curriculum needs to respond quickly to these needs. Still, unfortunately, software …
The Exigency And How To Improve And Implement International Humanitarian Legislations More Advantageously In Times Of Both Cyber-Warfare And Cyberspace, Shawn J. Lalman
The Exigency And How To Improve And Implement International Humanitarian Legislations More Advantageously In Times Of Both Cyber-Warfare And Cyberspace, Shawn J. Lalman
Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses
This study provides a synopsis of the following topics: the prospective limiters levied on cyber-warfare by present–day international legislation; significant complexities and contentions brought up in the rendering & utilization of International Humanitarian Legislation against cyber-warfare; feasible repercussions of cyber-warfare on humanitarian causes. It is also to be contended and outlined in this research study that non–state actors can be held accountable for breaches of international humanitarian legislation committed using cyber–ordnance if sufficient resources and skill are made available. It details the factors that prosecutors and investigators must take into account when organizing investigations into major breaches of humanitarian legislation …
The Influence Of In-School Time (Ist) And Out-Of-School Time (Ost) Learning Experiences On Aviation Career Entry, Andrew Koch
The Influence Of In-School Time (Ist) And Out-Of-School Time (Ost) Learning Experiences On Aviation Career Entry, Andrew Koch
Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses
Increased demand for aviation has created a skill and workforce gap. An understanding of how to increase this potential workforce is vital to ensure the ongoing success and sustainability of the commercial aviation industry. This research explores science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs as a potential avenue for increasing the available aviation workforce. Specifically, it explores how STEM programs and their associated learning experiences influence career entry.
Utilizing a mixed methodology approach, this research retrospectively explored the self-reported effect of out-of-school time (OST) and in-school time (IST) STEM experiences on aviation career development. Through interviews, a survey instrument was …
Developing Career Pathways In Uas For Non-Traditional Students Through Collaborative, Online Learning Environments, Kimberly Luthi, Christian Janke
Developing Career Pathways In Uas For Non-Traditional Students Through Collaborative, Online Learning Environments, Kimberly Luthi, Christian Janke
Publications
The integration of drone technologies through online simulation platforms and uncrewed system scenarios offer opportunities to introduce STEM concepts from the fields of robotics, computer science, mechatronics, and aviation. New software technology developments will increase student engagement in STEM education and support learning of uncrewed systems applications and operating competencies. The use of drone simulation software creates a collaborative environment for group activities and sharing of results with peer review.
The Shared Experiences Of Non-Traditional Groups In Academic Stem Disciplines, Kimberly Luthi
The Shared Experiences Of Non-Traditional Groups In Academic Stem Disciplines, Kimberly Luthi
Publications
The results of this effort resulted in the identification of factors that can be used as a conceptual framework for establishing institutional conditions and a work environment across higher education institutions that support women’s advancement and retention in academic appointments of leadership related to STEM disciplines and workplace education. The research considers relevant literature related to current institutional strategies and predictors for women’s success and retention in STEM disciplines. Such an exploration addresses challenges of non-traditional groups, specifically gender inequity issues regarding women’s advancement in STEM.
Community In The Online Science Classroom, Emily Faulconer
Community In The Online Science Classroom, Emily Faulconer
Publications
As online course offerings rise, it is important to design and facilitate courses to promote community so students feel connected to each other and the instructor and feel a sense of belonging as a scientist. Online discussions are a common feature for building and nurturing community and combating isolation. Discussions stimulate active learning, a strategy to promote participation in knowledge construction. This sense of community and science identity is important for both persistence and performance. I will share efforts to promote community while reducing extraneous cognitive load through discussion design and targeted instructor professional development. I will share data on …
Science Assessments As A Learning Opportunity: Feedforward With Multiple Attempts, Emily Faulconer
Science Assessments As A Learning Opportunity: Feedforward With Multiple Attempts, Emily Faulconer
Publications
Feedback best practices support timely, high-quality feedback with application opportunity. Multiple attempts on assessments support learning gains. A learning management system can be used to automatically provide feedback for application on a future assessment attempt. Current research has not thoroughly investigated the student impacts or opinions on this combined strategy. In this study, students took a second attempt 46% of the time, scoring an average of 10.1% higher on their second attempt. More than 60% of students who failed their first attempt completed a second attempt. Students perceived the feedback as useful in preparing for their second attempt. Future research …
Utilization Of Simulation Software To Enhance The Learning Experience For Students At The Worldwide Campus, Kimberly Luthi, Christian Janke, Yuetong Lin
Utilization Of Simulation Software To Enhance The Learning Experience For Students At The Worldwide Campus, Kimberly Luthi, Christian Janke, Yuetong Lin
Publications
The purpose of this presentation is to introduce benefits, best practices and examples of simulation software in online course environments. The research team does not have any affiliation with the introduced software platforms.
Peer-Led Team Learning Strategies In Engineering Pathways, Kimberly Luthi, Monica Surrency, John Keith Wilson, David Harvie
Peer-Led Team Learning Strategies In Engineering Pathways, Kimberly Luthi, Monica Surrency, John Keith Wilson, David Harvie
Publications
Train Peer-Leaders on difference between mentor/tutor and Peer Leader. Focuses on leadership skills. Provides technology resources tutorial. Provided suggested teaching and learning strategies for PLTL activities.
Integrating Virtual Reality Into The Asynchronous Learning Environment, Cheri Marcham, Dave D.C. Delcastillo, David Thirtyacre, Brian Sanders
Integrating Virtual Reality Into The Asynchronous Learning Environment, Cheri Marcham, Dave D.C. Delcastillo, David Thirtyacre, Brian Sanders
Publications
- 4 presentations
- Covers a spectrum of subject matter
- Real to virtual and virtual to real
- Want to highlight
- What the goal was
- How it was integrated into effective learning experiences