Immersive Learning Environments Research Articles

Virtual learning environments and digital twins: Enhancing accessibility, diversity, and flexibility in training secondary educational administrators

<p>This study investigates the potential of Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) and digital twins to overcome geographical, scheduling, and diversity barriers in the training of secondary educational administrators. Recognizing the limitations in traditional in-person visits to schools-particularly for graduate students in rural areas and those working fulltime with dependents-and the current ethnic composition of educational administrators, where White individuals comprise 64.5% of the population in the US (71.01% for principals), this research explores how VLEs can democratize access and foster diversity in educational leadership training. Over the academic year 2022–2023, pre- and post-engagement surveys were administered to students in a Visionary and Innovative Leadership course that employed a digital twin of a middle school. The virtual environment allowed students to explore the school and interact with its mission and vision principles at their own pace, from any location, and as frequently as required. These digital tools not only offered a homogenous and repeatable experience but also enabled a deeper, self-directed investigation into how an institution’s mission and vision are operationalized within its physical environment. Findings from the study indicate that VLEs and digital twins offer considerable potential in terms of accessibility, flexibility, and diversity in educational leadership training. Through the integration of these innovative technologies, future leaders can experience immersive, interactive, and inclusive learning environments, contributing to a more diverse and effective educational leadership landscape.</p>

AI-enabled virtual reality systems for dental education

This study investigates the use of AI-enabled virtual reality (VR) systems in dental education. With a sample size of 200 participants, the research aims to explore the effectiveness and potential benefits of integrating AI and VR technologies into dental education programs. The study focuses on the use of AI algorithms to enhance the learning experience, simulate realistic dental procedures, and provide interactive training modules for dental students. The research employs a quantitative research technique. The quantitative research involves the distribution of surveys to the sample group, assessing their perceptions of AI-enabled VR systems in dental education and their effectiveness in improving learning outcomes. Preliminary findings suggest that AI-enabled VR systems have the potential to revolutionize dental education by offering immersive and realistic learning environments. Participants reported positive experiences with the interactive and engaging nature of AI-powered VR simulations, which allowed them to practice dental procedures in a safe and controlled setting. The incorporation of AI algorithms enhanced the realism of the simulations, providing immediate feedback, personalized learning pathways, and virtual patient scenarios. The study also examines the potential benefits of AI-enabled VR systems in addressing challenges faced by traditional dental education methods.

The Advent of Generative Language Models in Medical Education.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and generative language models (GLMs) present significant opportunities for enhancing medical education, including the provision of realistic simulations, digital patients, personalized feedback, evaluation methods, and the elimination of language barriers. These advanced technologies can facilitate immersive learning environments and enhance medical students' educational outcomes. However, ensuring content quality, addressing biases, and managing ethical and legal concerns present obstacles. To mitigate these challenges, it is necessary to evaluate the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated content, address potential biases, and develop guidelines and policies governing the use of AI-generated content in medical education. Collaboration among educators, researchers, and practitioners is essential for developing best practices, guidelines, and transparent AI models that encourage the ethical and responsible use of GLMs and AI in medical education. By sharing information about the data used for training, obstacles encountered, and evaluation methods, developers can increase their credibility and trustworthiness within the medical community. In order to realize the full potential of AI and GLMs in medical education while mitigating potential risks and obstacles, ongoing research and interdisciplinary collaboration are necessary. By collaborating, medical professionals can ensure that these technologies are effectively and responsibly integrated, contributing to enhanced learning experiences and patient care.

Educational metaverse: an exploration and practice of VR wisdom teaching model in Chinese Open University English course

PurposeThe paper aims to propose a virtual reality (VR) wisdom teaching model in open university English course from the perspective of “Metaverse”. The study aims to testify the stimulation for English learning and the effectiveness of English-expressing with VR tools for adult learners from the practice in a pilot reform project.Design/methodology/approachThe paper opted for an exploratory study using ICARE Design Model as the framework, under the grounded theories of constructivism and multi-modal teaching. The study compared the evaluation data of one-semester English learning performance between the experimental class (67 students) with VR practice and the controlled class (67 students), including speaking test score, qualitative feedback and in-depth experience analysis. The data were complemented by reflection paper analysis, including manual evaluation (the criteria of semantics, pronunciation, fluency and completeness), questionnaire survey (in the form of five-point Likert scale) and semi-structured interview.FindingsThe paper provides empirical insights about the VR wisdom teaching model in English language teaching and learning in a Chinese Open University. The empirical results suggest that “3I” features of VR technology could make up for the shortcomings of traditional English classes in open universities in China, and VR resources designed with curriculum teaching materials could also be helpful for students’ command of knowledge points and language skills. What’s more, the sense of authentic experience in virtual could promote the teaching and learning effect in college English classes.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study focuses on a wisdom mode of foreign language teaching and learning for adult learners in open education, so the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to further explore the deep integration of VR/artificial intelligence in foreign language teaching and learning.Originality/valueThis paper fulfills an identified need to study how VR tools provide an engaging, fun and immersive language learning environment, to enhance autonomous learning and learning engagement.

Virtual reality in medical emergencies training: benefits, perceived stress, and learning success

Medical graduates lack procedural skills experience required to manage emergencies. Recent advances in virtual reality (VR) technology enable the creation of highly immersive learning environments representing easy-to-use and affordable solutions for training with simulation. However, the feasibility in compulsory teaching, possible side effects of immersion, perceived stress, and didactic benefits have to be investigated systematically. VR-based training sessions using head-mounted displays alongside a real-time dynamic physiology system were held by student assistants for small groups followed by debriefing with a tutor. In the pilot study, 36 students rated simulation sickness. In the main study, 97 students completed a virtual scenario as active participants (AP) and 130 students as observers (OBS) from the first-person perspective on a monitor. Participants completed questionnaires for evaluation purposes and exploratory factor analysis was performed on the items. The extent of simulation sickness remained low to acceptable among participants of the pilot study. In the main study, students valued the realistic environment and guided practical exercise. AP perceived the degree of immersion as well as the estimated learning success to be greater than OBS and proved to be more motivated post training. With respect to AP, the factor “sense of control” revealed a typical inverse U-shaped relationship to the scales “didactic value” and “individual learning benefit”. Summing up, curricular implementation of highly immersive VR-based training of emergencies proved feasible and found a high degree of acceptance among medical students. This study also provides insights into how different conceptions of perceived stress distinctively moderate subjective learning success.

Implementation of a virtual student placement to improve the application of theory to practice.

The primary aim of undergraduate, pre-registration nursing education is to prepare students to be nurses who can apply theory to practice, with clinical placements to support the practice element of the clinical programme. However, the theory-practice gap is a longstanding problem within nurse education, as nurses continue to practise with incomplete knowledge to support their actions. In April 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a reduction in clinical placement capacity that affected student learning opportunities. Based on Miller's pyramid of learning, a virtual placement was created using evidence-based learning theories and an array of multimedia technologies with the intention of replicating real-life experiences and promoting problem-based learning. Scenarios and case studies were collated from clinical experiences and mapped against student proficiencies to produce an authentic and immersive learning environment. This innovative pedagogy provides an alternative to the placement experience while enhancing the application of theory to practice.

Primary School Students' Experiences using Minecraft Education during a National Project-Based Initiative: An Irish Study.

Minecraft Education is a digital game-based learning platform that is thought to support the development of twenty-first century competencies and skills. The purpose of this study is to explore primary students' experiences of using Minecraft Education during an innovative national project-based initiative. The initiative had two phases: 1) educational episodes for teachers and students on how to use the platform and 2) a national competition that required students to re-imagine a sustainable version of their community. We used a mixed-methods design with a sample of classes taking part in the initiative. First, third to sixth class students (N = 173) completed a survey that examined: 1) learning opportunities with Minecraft Education, 2) ease of use, 3) usefulness, and 4) enjoyment. Eight focus group interviews were then conducted with a subsample of sixth class students (n = 30). Students indicated that 1) there were good opportunities for learning with Minecraft Education, particularly for creativity and collaboration, 2) the platform was easy to use and useful and, 3) using Minecraft Education was enjoyable. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data identified five themes: 'collaboration', 'opportunities for creativity', 'immersive learning environment', 'student engagement', and 'technology and digital skills'. This research highlights the value of innovative project-based learning activities with Minecraft Education for supporting student learning.

Immersive University Model: A Tool to Increase Higher Education Competitiveness

The current paper substantiates the effectiveness of immersive learning applications for youth. Emphasis is placed on the fact that the “immersion” of students can be carried out not only through virtual and augmented reality but also in any constructed environment that provides any “immersion” in active and interactive teaching methods. A bibliometric analysis was conducted for the “immersive learning” search query to identify keywords and phrases’ main clusters and their relationships. Based on the bibliometric analysis, the concept of forming an immersive learning model based on a sequential transition between the “dimensions” was formed. The model is developed considering the degree of involvement in the learning scenarios. A multidimensional classification model for immersive learning tools is proposed. A university case of building an immersive learning environment as part of the “electronic university” information system is presented. A technological solution is proposed for evaluating the effectiveness of testing immersive learning tools.

How to Maximise Spatial Presence: Design Guidelines for a Virtual Learning Environment for School Use.

Research on learning with and in immersive virtual reality (VR) continues to grow, yielding more insights into how immersive learning works. However, the actual use of VR learning environments in schools is still in its infancy. A major hurdle that hinders the use of immersive digital media in schools is the lack of guidelines for designing VR learning environments for practical use in schools. Such guidelines need to consider how students interact and learn in VR learning environments and how teachers can use such environments on a day-to-day basis. Using a design-based research approach, we explored the guidelines for creating VR learning content for tenth-grade students in a German secondary school and recreated a real-world, out-of-school VR learning space which can be used for hands-on instruction. This paper investigated how to maximise the experience of spatial presence by creating a VR learning environment in several microcycles. Furthermore, it took a closer look at the influence of the spatial situation model and cognitive involvement on this process. The results were evaluated with ANOVAs and path analyses, showing, for example, that involvement does not influence spatial presence in highly immersive and realistic VR learning environments.

Learning impact of recent ICT advances based on virtual reality IoT sensors in a metaverse environment

The use of avatars in the Metaverse and virtual reality technology in education is a rapidly developing field that has the potential to revolutionize the way students learn. In the context of the Indian EdTech market, virtual reality could play a significant role in enhancing the learning experience for students, although more research is needed to explore its full potential.ICT has already made a significant impact on education, with academic programming, technical instruction, and theoretical concepts being taught through digital platforms. Virtual reality has the potential to take this a step further, allowing students to experience immersive and interactive learning environments that simulate real-world scenarios.However, as mentioned in the paragraph, there is still limited research on the use of virtual reality in education, particularly in the Indian context. Further studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of this technology and ensure that it can be integrated effectively into the educational system.Overall, the use of virtual reality in education is an exciting development in the ICT industry and has the potential to make a significant impact on the learning experience for students. Various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) seek to improve women's lives and provide them with self-sufficiency training. The government is likewise concerned about this issue and has established a number of programs to assist women. Information and communication technology (ICT) is significant in this context. ICT has improved the security, knowledge, education, employability, confidence, and popularity of women. The significance of ICT for the empowerment of women is highlighted in this study. To illuminate the various facets of ICT's impact on society, various examples have been addressed. Because of ICT, new generations of women all over the globe have defied all expectations and proven themselves in every aspect of life, even the most complicated and time-consuming realm of enterprise. In this regard, ICT may possibly become a magic wand for improving women's current situations. In this research, the eight factors that influence how ICT affects rural women's empowerment were found.

VRArchEducation: Redesigning building survey process in architectural education using collaborative virtual reality

Architectural education requires students to work as a group under the supervision of a teacher in the same physical environment since they need interaction to learn how to do a set of measurements in practice. However, a number of obstacles, such as pandemic situations, weather conditions, and the crowdedness of working sites, do not allow them to be and work together in a physical environment. Existing digital solutions, such as online and distance education, do not provide the required immersive and collaborative learning environment to assist students to practice in the same virtual environment. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to develop an immersive architectural educational environment, named VRArchEducation, using Virtual Reality (VR). Specifically, we design and implement a system that allows students and teachers to enjoy direct and simultaneous interaction through their virtual avatars regardless of their current physical location. Furthermore, the proposed VRArchEducation will enable users to have hands-on immersive experience while performing a set of measurement tasks. VRArchEducation presents four virtual fundamental measurement tools: water level hose, plumb, measurement tape, and a sketching board. Using these tools, students can perform a building survey process together in the VRArchEducation system just like in a traditional class environment. We conduct a user study to evaluate the system’s effectiveness, success, accuracy, and usability. The proposed VRArchEducation has a great potential to be used in architectural education as an alternative to the traditional environment.

The Effect of Virtual Reality Game Teaching Technology on Students’ Immersion

VR (Virtual Reality) technology as the current cutting-edge technology, is widely used in the field of education, and plays a huge advantage. VR game teaching creates an immersive learning environment so that learners can have a clearer and more intuitive understanding of professional knowledge of various disciplines, enhance their learning enthusiasm and interest in learning, and give full play to subjective initiative of learners. VR technology gradually blurs the boundary between realities and virtual, and experiential have a certain emotional investment in excessively real virtual space, to create a sense of immersion and to effectively cultivate students’ spatial thinking and higher-order thinking ability. A questionnaire on the effect of VR game teaching technology on college students’ immersion was designed, and the effects of four aspects of VR game teaching technology, namely publication rules, role description, game control, and game review on learners’ immersion were explored. Results show that publication rules, role descriptions, and game control in VR game teaching have significant positive effects on college students’ immersion. All samples of different game platforms show a significant degree of immersion (P<0.05), and two VR game platforms, namely wearable VR interaction and VR all-in-one, improve learners’ immersion more significantly. Results of this study have important reference value for integrating VR technology into three-dimensional composition teaching, stimulating students’ sense of participation in game learning, improving VR game teaching effect and improving learning efficiency.

Capturing cognitive load management during authentic virtual reality flight training with behavioural and physiological indicators

AbstractBackgroundCognitive load (CL) management is essential in safety‐critical fields so that professionals can monitor and control their cognitive resources efficiently to perform and solve scenarios in a timely and safe manner, even in complex and unexpected circumstances. Thus, cognitive load theory (CLT) can be used to design virtual reality (VR) training programmes for professional learning in these fields.ObjectivesWe studied CL management performance through behavioural indicators in authentic VR flight training and explored if and to what extent physiological data was associated with CL management performance.MethodsThe expert (n = 8) and novice pilots (n = 6) performed three approach and landing scenarios with increasing element interactivity. We used video recordings of the training to assess CL management performance based on the behavioural indicators. Then, we used the heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) data to study the associations between the physiological data and CL management performance.Results and ConclusionsThe pilots performed effectively in CL management. The experience of the pilots did not remarkably explain the variation in CL management performance. The scenario with the highest element interactivity and an increase in the very low‐frequency band of HRV were associated with decreased performance in CL management.TakeawaysOur study sheds light on the association between physiological indicators and CL management performance, which has traditionally been assessed with behavioural indicators in professional learning in safety‐critical fields. Thus, physiological measurements can be used to supplement the assessment of CL management performance, as relying solely on behavioural indicators can be time consuming.

Effects of AR‐ and VR‐based wearables in teaching English: The application of an ARCS model‐based learning design to improve elementary school students' learning motivation and performance

AbstractBackgroundPrevious research has examined the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in English language teaching. However, to the best of our knowledge, none of the earlier studies that investigated integrating AR and VR “wearables” into teaching and learning English based on the attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction (ARCS) motivation model compared the differences in learning motivation and performance between traditional teaching methods and those using AR‐ and VR‐based using wearables.ObjectivesTo create a thematic learning environment based on learners' lived experiences and provide them with an immersive English course that extends textbook knowledge using a technology‐assisted real‐life learning context.MethodThis study used a quasi‐experimental research design. A total of 119 participants were spilt into three learning groups based on teaching tools: traditional methods and AR‐ and VR‐based wearable devices. The performance of each group was evaluated through three stages using appropriate educational tools for traditional, AR‐, and VR‐based classrooms, followed by semistructured interviews. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to investigate the inference learning performance (remembering and analysing) of the four ARCS dimensions with the three teaching methods.ResultsThe results showed that confidence and relevance were positively correlated with learning performance in the VR‐based wearable group. In the context of the ARCS model, learners' confidence predicted learning performance and the remembering subdimension when VR‐based learning materials were used.ImplicationsThese results suggest that, compared to traditional teaching methods, VR‐based wearables make it easier to create a highly immersive learning environment and are more likely to help learners find the correct words, improve their accuracy, and increase their confidence and sense of accomplishment in the entire learning process.

360-DEGREE VIRTUAL REALITY

Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that enables users to experience a computer-generated environment as if it were real. This is achieved by using head-mounted displays, tracking systems, and other input devices to create an immersive, three- dimensional world that users can interact with. VR is being used in industries, like gaming, entertainment, education, healthcare etc,... In gaming, VR provides a new level of immersion and interactivity, allowing players to experience new worlds and adventures in a way that was previously impossible Virtual reality (VR) technology has rapidly evolved in recent years, with significant advancements in hardware, software, and content development. VR offers users an immersive experience that can simulate real-world scenarios, environments, and interactions. This technology has been applied to a wide range of fields, including entertainment, education, healthcare, and training. In the entertainment industry, VR provides users with a unique and interactive way to consume media, from gaming and movies to virtual tourism and social experiences. In education, VR allows students to experience immersive learning environments that can enhance their understanding of complex concepts. In healthcare, VR is used for therapy and rehabilitation, allowing patients to simulate real-life scenarios in a safe and controlled environment. Finally, in the field of training, VR provides a cost-effective and efficient way to train employees in various industries, such as aviation, military, and manufacturing despite its potential, there are still challenges to overcome, such as high costs, technical limitations, and the need for more compelling and engaging content. Nonetheless, the future of VR looks promising, with further advancements and new applications yet to be discovered. KEYWORDS VR headset, VR games, VR videos, VR education, Augmented Reality(AR),360 degree video.

An immersive virtual reality learning environment with CFD simulations: Unveiling the Virtual Garage concept.

Virtual reality has become a significant asset to diversify the existing toolkit supporting engineering education and training. The cognitive and behavioral advantages of virtual reality (VR) can help lecturers reduce entry barriers to concepts that students struggle with. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are imperative tools intensively utilized in the design and analysis of chemical engineering problems. Although CFD simulation tools can be directly applied in engineering education, they bring several challenges in the implementation and operation for both students and lecturers. In this study, we develop the "Virtual Garage" as a task-centered educational VR application with CFD simulations to tackle these challenges. The Virtual Garage is composed of a holistic immersive virtual reality experience to educate students with a real-life engineering problem solved by CFD simulation data. The prototype is tested by graduate students (n = 24) assessing usability, user experience, task load and simulator sickness via standardized questionnaires together with self-reported metrics and a semi-structured interview. Results show that the Virtual Garage is well-received by participants. We identify features that can further leverage the quality of the VR experience with CFD simulations. Implications are incorporated throughout the study to provide practical guidance for developers and practitioners.

Effect of summarizing scaffolding and textual cues on learning performance, mental model, and cognitive load in a virtual reality environment: An experimental study

The effect of summarizing scaffolding on learning for elementary school students in immersive virtual reality settings with textual cues is unknown. To address this research gap, we conducted a 2 * 2 factorial experimental study to investigate the potential effect and interaction of summarizing scaffolding (yes vs. no) and textual cues (yes vs. no) on learning performance, mental model, and cognitive load. A total of 152 participants from a suburban elementary school were randomly assigned to one of four experimental conditions: no textual cues & no summarizing scaffolding (n = 38), textual cues & no summarizing scaffolding (n = 39), no textual cues & summarizing scaffolding (n = 37), and textual cues & summarizing scaffolding (n = 38). ANOVA results showed that (a) textual cues significantly improved learning performance and the mental model; (b) summarizing scaffolding significantly enhanced the mental model; and (c) no significant interaction effects were identified, indicating that young students can benefit from immersive virtual reality with textual cues or summarizing scaffolding. The implications of the findings on the design of effective immersive learning environments are discussed.

Immersive technologies: a symbiosis of digital technologies and art

Immersive technologies are one of the strategic vectors of modern education. Immersive in English means “immersion”. In the context of pedagogical science, it is a method of teaching with elements of relaxation, play, and immersion in an artificially modeled reality. Several concepts of immersive technologies are defined: virtual reality (VR); augmented reality (AR); mixed reality (MR); holography, TelePresence; digital twin; FPV drone flight, etc. The author has revealed the meaning of the immersive approach in education, which we interpret as a set of methods and means of organizing productive interaction of participants in the educational process in a virtual (immersive) educational environment that provides interactive learning, comprehensive and targeted professional development. An immersive learning environment is understood as a dynamic process of influencing the user by various elements of the simulated external/internal environment. The author substantiates immersive in literature, painting, and theater. Thus, immersive is primarily associated with the object-spatial modeled environment, which is designed to draw the viewer inside. The article pays special attention to the creation of an immersive learning environment, which has certain characteristic features, namely: redundancy, saturation, constructiveness; observation, autonomy; integrity; motivational; interactivity. The advantages of the immersive environment are identified: the ability to visualize complex processes and phenomena; minimization of extraneous factors; high degree of personalization of the learning process; stimulation of the accumulation of experience of independent cognitive activity, development of activity in educational activities; prompt and visual display of the results obtained; facilitation of communication between participants in the educational process, etc.

A Metaphorical Analysis of Mentoring for Education without Walls in Palestine and Finland with the OLIVE International Project as a Key Example

Nowadays, efforts are being made in Finland to develop education across borders through projects that seek to deal with global learning crises. Palestine, being engaged in high-intensity struggle and faced with emergencies in education, is one example of such an initiative. Both actual and virtual walls exist in the collaboration between Palestinian and Finnish universities. By using conceptual metaphor theory and Ricoeur’s metaphor theory, this paper discusses and analyzes metaphors that emerge in the process of building education without walls in the OLIVE international project. Project activities support online teaching and learning methods. Drawing from the experience of first-stage implementation, the paper brings forward metaphors that emerge in developing mentoring. The study explores new perspectives on mentoring to conceptualize the metaphor by considering the need to decolonize engagement with learning through both intellectual and embodied–affective elements. This is done by providing a framework for immersive learning. As a result, one can conclude that mentoring is not only cognitive but also an embodied metaphor with affective elements and needs immersive learning environments. Mentoring is fluid, as the roles of mentors and mentees interchange and intertwine. Mentoring takes place in groups, between and among peers, students, teachers, and researchers both on-line and on-site.

EDUKA: Design and development of an intelligent tutor and author tool for the personalised generation of itineraries and training activities in inmersive 3D and 360° educational environments

Nowadays, Virtual and Augmented Reality have begun to be integrated in the educational field for the creation of immersive learning environments. This research presents the results of a project called “EDUKA: Intelligent tutor and author tool for the personalised generation of itineraries and training activities in immersive 3D and 360º educational environments”, funded by the Basque Government (BG) (Economic Development, Sustainability and Environment Department). The project started in April 2018 and was completed in December 2020. Nowadays, an improved version is being developed in a project called IKASNEED, also supported by the BG. The aim of the study was to develop research around a set of latest generation technologies that offer interdependence to educational centres for the adoption, development and integration of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and immersive content technologies in their study plans.