Using Virtual Reality Technology in Biology Education

Abstract

The use of virtual reality (VR) as a medium for education can contribute to the learning efficiency of students. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of VR application in advanced biology courses, specifically in enhancing the comprehension and understanding of high school students toward the topic of human organs and other related systems. Four high school teachers and 138 high school students selected from three separate classes participated in this study. To determine the impact of VR education from both teachers’ and students’ perspectives, learning satisfaction and the effectiveness of instructional material were assessed with questionnaires. We found that from teachers’ perspective, VR was an efficient teaching tool that enhanced students’ attention and contributed to the improvement of learning outcomes. From the students’ perspective, they were willing to use VR instructional material and were satisfied with this learning method. Applying VR technology in the classroom should be encouraged. However, some students identified dizziness as a concern when VR glasses were used for longer periods of time. Therefore, we suggest that VR glasses be limited to 30 minutes of use at a time.