Immersive Virtual Training for Vocational Training High School Students’ Milling Machine Practice

Abstract

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate if virtual reality (VR) technology is an effective medium for non-contact practice and explore the benefits of VR education and training for vocational training. We designed and tested a VR system that interacts with natural sensory recognition in a computer-generated virtual world for vocational training high school students. The proposed virtual training system was designed so students can learn how to operate the technology and handle the milling machine in the field. A milling machine is a mandatory training device in industrial education. Experienced vocational training teachers evaluated the usefulness of the VR content as an educational technology medium for vocational students. Their satisfaction with the VR-based training system as an educational media was relatively high. They reported that the proposed system included the necessary information for education and training for the milling machine learning bur they also made suggestions for more detailed content. More than 70% teachers hoped to use the VR system in future classes and responded that it was very appropriate as an educational media. The results indicate that the proposed virtual training system for milling machines is an effective training and medium that can be used for hands-on training if after further refining the scenarios for detailed operation.KeywordsVirtual realityNon-contact learningVocational trainingVocational high schoolMilling machine