Effects of Using Virtual Tour Applications in Social Studies on Academic Achievement, Motivation, and Attitude

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of using virtual tour activities on students' motivation, attitude, and academic achievement in social studies. An exploratory sequential mixed -method design was employed for the study. Data were collected using the Journey in Turkish History Unit Achievement Test, which included learning objectives and was developed by the author, the Social Studies Motivation Scale, the Social Studies Attitude Scale, and the Semi-Structured Focus Group Interview Form for gathering students’ opinions. The collected data were analyzed using statistical programs. Content analysis was performed on the qualitative data, while parametric tests were administered to the quantitative data with normal distribution. In the quantitative dimension of the study, no remarkable difference was detected between the control and experimental groups’ attitudes, motivation, and academic achievement in the context of social studies before the process. However, at the end of the study, there was a statistically significant difference in favor of the experimental group. In the qualitative dimension, difficulties such as the program’s structure, equipment, software, hardware, technological aspects, and teacher competence were addressed regarding the adaptation and use of virtual tour activities in social studies.