Evaluating Virtual Reality’s Impact on Enhancing Pedagogical Skills in South Korean Secondary Schools’ Teacher Development Programs

Abstract

This comprehensive study delves into the transformative potential of Virtual Reality (VR) technology within teacher professional development programs in South Korean secondary schools. With the educational landscape rapidly evolving, the integration of innovative technologies such as VR presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges. This paper aims to critically assess the effectiveness of VR in enriching pedagogical skills among educators, exploring its role in facilitating immersive and interactive learning experiences that could potentially redefine traditional teaching methodologies. Employing a mixed-methods research approach, this investigation combines quantitative data derived from extensive surveys of educators who have participated in VR-based training programs with qualitative insights gathered through in-depth interviews. This dual-faceted analysis enables a nuanced understanding of VR’s impact on teaching practices, highlighting the technology’s capacity to enhance instructional strategies, engage students more effectively, and foster a dynamic learning environment. Moreover, the study identifies key challenges associated with the adoption of VR in professional development, such as technical limitations, the need for specialized training, and the integration of VR content with existing curricula. By offering a comprehensive overview of the current state of VR in educational settings in South Korea and examining its implications for teacher professional growth, this paper contributes valuable perspectives to the ongoing discourse on leveraging technology to advance educational outcomes. Through its findings, the research underscores the critical need for strategic implementation and support mechanisms to maximize VR’s benefits in professional development programs, paving the way for future innovations in educational technology.