Virtual Reality and Virtual Lab-Based Technology-Enhanced Learning in Primary School Physics

Abstract

AbstractA European Horizon 2020 NEWTON project technology enhanced learning application, Water Cycle in Nature, and its benefits in terms of learner experience and learner satisfaction, as well as usability and knowledge gain were validated as part of a small-scale pilot, carried out in a primary school in Dublin. The Water Cycle in Nature applications is focused on precipitation formation and the relevant physics phenomena, such as vaporization, condensation and evaporation. This application contains 3D immersive computer-based virtual reality and virtual laboratory simulations. As part of this pilot, two classes were involved, one control class of 29 boys which were taught the educational content in a teacher-based approach lesson, and one experimental class of 29 boys which interacted with the NEWTON project application. Following the knowledge pre and post-tests, the control class was also exposed to the TEL Water Cycle in Nature application, in order to assess and compare the learner experience and satisfaction between the control class and the experimental class. Detailed analysis of the learner experience and learner satisfaction and comparison between the two participating classes is performed in this extended paper. The TEL application’s usability and benefits in terms of knowledge gain were also evaluated. The obtained results show good outcomes in usability and learner experience for both classes, with the control class reporting slightly better results. Another notable fact was noticed in the knowledge gain analysis between the two approaches, showing that students benefited more in learning outcomes when interacting with a teacher. It has been shown that the excitement of the experimental group students towards the game might have created a barrier in terms of learning improvement and the NEWTON application will serve better as a revision tool under the supervision and guidance of the teacher and a support tool for the teacher.KeywordsTechnology-enhanced learningVirtual RealityVirtual laboratoryComputer-based learningSTEMPrimary education