Conditions for the successful mastering of virtual reality technology by schoolchildren

Abstract

This article describes the results of the work of the “School of Virtual Reality and Neurotechnology”, which functioned within the framework of the Talant22 school. During this training course, schoolchildren used VR headsets (Oculus Rift S and Class VR) to learn the basics of interacting with virtual (VR) and augmented realities (AR), and also used the free Google Street View mobile application to create their own VR content (photosphere). We have obtained evidence that video games as a hobby leads to more successful mastering of virtual reality technology by children. AAA games and a deeper knowledge of physics (within the school curriculum or wider) can make this mastering even more successful. We have also established the fact that developed skills in various game mechanics, controller operation skill and the perception of 3D space and experience in the following genres of video games are also key: simulation, shooter, action and adventure. It has been found that the best way to quickly adapt to a virtual environment and learn how to interact with virtual objects is obtained with the experience of playing on video game consoles. In addition, it turns out that playing video games as a hobby contributes to a deeper knowledge of the English and is a kind of additional practice. The use of VR in the educational process is accompanied by multiple positive effects, while the manifestation of different negative side effects turned out to be low, and the proposed tasks were rated by schoolchildren as simple and exciting. In this regard, we see that the further development of gamification should be closely associated with the process of introducing video games into the education. The main principles we promote — motivation through entertainment and game as the most important process, in our opinion, can stimulate students to master new areas of knowledge and create their own VR content. Thus, a deep revision of gamification approaches and further research in this area is required.