Virtual Reality Learning Environment Research Articles

Studying the Use of Virtual Reality Learning Environments to Engage School Children in Safe Cycling Education

Background The promotion of cycling for children is beneficial from a health and environmental perspective, however road safety and awareness amongst this age group remain a considerable issue. As children are developing their cognitive and physical abilities, they are considered a high-risk group for injuries and fatalities on the roads. Virtual learning environments have demonstrated promising ways to engage children in learning about road risks and teach children about safe cycling. Intervention A web-based Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and Virtual Reality (VR) environment was designed to offer a platform for schoolchildren to learn about safe cycling and to develop skills for them to better detect hazards in traffic. Both learning environments were used by 455 school children and 20 class teachers. Methods Fun toolkit methods, specifically designed for child participants were used to assess the design of the technology, and for teachers a qualitative survey to provide evidence around the use of both learning environments. Results Results suggest both learning environments were appealing for lower school grade participants. For grades five and six a need to review the relevance and user design of the learning content was evident. The VR environment was highly attractive across all school grades, suggesting that VR could be a feasible way to teach road safety and safe cycling for school children. Discussion Although VLE and VR environment were attractive and fun to use, some users of VR experienced motion sickness. This would need to be considered and further examined before engaging a young learner in a VR learning environment. Several considerations are provided for teachers, practitioners, researchers, and designers seeking means to promote safe cycling for children.

Facilitating cognitive development and addressing stereotypes with a cross‐cultural learning activity supported by interactive 360‐degree video technology

AbstractThis study investigates a virtual reality (VR) cross‐cultural interactive learning environment that combines a 360‐degree video camera for content creation, a viewing tool, and a video conference platform for real‐time interaction. This environment aims to address the limitations of traditional 360‐degree VR tools, particularly in enabling simultaneous, interactive engagement among multiple users. The study recruited 31 university students from China and Indonesia utilizing convenience sampling to test the efficacy of the environment in fostering cognitive development and challenging cross‐cultural stereotypes. The methodology included analysing student‐created content, questionnaire responses, and insights from semistructured interviews. The analysis, grounded in a cognitive development taxonomy and an assessment of stereotype changes, revealed that the students reached the “remember” and “understand” cognitive levels. Additionally, prevalent stereotypes held by the students were addressed. The immersive nature of the VR environment and the interactions with foreign peers were highly appreciated, significantly contributing to cognitive growth and stereotype mitigation. These findings offer valuable insights for educators and researchers in technology‐assisted cross‐cultural education, emphasizing the importance of designing interactive VR‐based activities that effectively facilitate cognitive development and address cross‐cultural stereotypes.Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic Telecollaborative projects have been widely implemented to facilitate intercultural learning. Scholars have employed 360‐degree video technology to develop virtual reality (VR) learning environments. 360‐degree videos offer a panoramic view of different cultures, enabling learners to explore and interact with their surroundings, thus fostering contextualized learning experiences. Such videos can enhance student engagement, motivation, and learning effectiveness. What this paper contributes The existing 360‐degree video technology offers only a restricted range of learning scenarios, especially in terms of the capability to enable multiple students to watch virtual reality (VR) content using head‐mounted displays (HMDs) and engage in real‐time interactions simultaneously. To overcome this limitation, we developed a virtual reality (VR) cross‐cultural interactive learning environment. Our solution includes a 360‐degree video viewing tool with which students can watch the created content, along with an online video conference platform that facilitates the observation of each other's viewed content through their HMDs, and enables real‐time communication among students to discuss the content they are experiencing. Implications for practice or policy The integration of our VR interactive learning environment into cross‐cultural learning creates authentic and immersive learning environments that provide students with a realistic sense of presence. This enhances cross‐cultural learning by making objects, people, and situations appear lifelike. Our technological approach fosters interaction among students from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds within virtual reality learning environments. Students can not only receive information about the target culture but also exchange culture‐related information and communicate in real time. Since our approach is convenient and autonomous, it holds immense potential for resolving the common challenges faced by teachers and students in cross‐cultural teaching and learning.

Behavioral intention, perception and user assessment in an immersive virtual reality environment with CFD simulations

This study explores technology acceptance, perception and user assessment of an immersive virtual reality environment with computational fluid dynamics simulations in engineering education. 57 participants from three different institutions tested the virtual reality application. Partial least squares structural equation modeling and interferential statistics were performed to predict and assess interrelations among constructs. Results show that the learning value, content value, intrinsic motivation and personal innovativeness are underlying factors behind students’ intention to use virtual reality. Pair-wise analysis indicates that users’ perceptions matter and positively affect their attitudes. In addition, the virtual reality application helps students perform significantly better in the post-knowledge test. Findings also highlight that prior experience and interest can affect students’ attitudes and behavioral intentions to accept the virtual reality application in education. Our study can guide lecturers and developers to achieve on-target immersive virtual reality learning environments in higher education.

Signaling feedback mechanisms to promoting self-regulated learning and motivation in virtual reality transferred to real-world hands-on tasks

ABSTRACT Virtual reality (VR) provides a unique platform for interactive learning experiences, enhancing learning, particularly in hands-on courses. However, the visual load of VR and the lack of guidance and interaction from physical teachers or peers can pose challenges for learners in self-regulated learning (SRL) and learning motivation. This study designed feedback in the VR learning environment based on the signaling principles of Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML) to investigate learners’ SRL, learning motivation, cognitive levels, and their abilities to handle real-world scenarios. We developed a VR hands-on learning course on the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) and conducted two real-world AIoT hands-on tasks, implementing a quasi-experimental study with 71 university students. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. The experimental group received three types of feedback signals (gaze, progress, and decision) designed based on signaling principles, while the control group received no feedback. The results showed that the experimental group exhibited significantly higher levels of SRL and learning motivation compared to the control group after VR learning. The feedback group also performed better in terms of cognitive levels and real-world hands-on tasks.

The virtual reality classroom: a randomized control trial of medical student knowledge of postpartum hemorrhage emergency management.

To investigate the use of a virtual reality learning environment (VRLE) to enhance medical student knowledge of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) emergency management and insertion of a postpartum balloon. A randomized control trial involving medical students from University College Dublin, Ireland. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention group (VRLE tutorial) or control group (PowerPoint tutorial on the same topic). All participants completed pre-learning experience and post-learning experience surveys. Both groups were timed and assessed on postpartum balloon insertion technique on a model pelvis. The primary outcome was assessment of student knowledge. Secondary outcomes included confidence levels, time taken to complete the task, technique assessment, satisfaction with the learning environment, and side effects of VR. Both learning experiences significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced student performance on the post-learning experience multiple choice questionnaire, with no difference between the intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, time for task completion was significantly less compared to the control group (1-2 min vs. 2-3 min, p = 0.039). Both learning experiences significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced student confidence, with no significant difference between intervention and control groups. 100% of the students using the VRLE enjoyed the experience, and 82.4% were very likely to recommend use of VRLE in medical education. 94.1% of the students felt the VRLE was beneficial over didactic teaching. Receiving formal instruction, regardless of format, enhances students' knowledge and confidence of the topic covered. Students who received instruction via the VRLE assembled the postpartum balloon faster than students who received didactic teaching. VR may be beneficial in teaching hands-on procedural skills in obstetrics and gynecology education.

Virtual reality and gamification in education: a systematic review

AbstractThis study aims to analyze the use of virtual reality and gamification in education by examining the existing literature. In addition to virtual reality, this study focuses on gamified virtual reality learning environments which refer to virtual reality learning environments that integrate gamification elements and mechanisms. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, a systematic literature review was carried out. No limitations were set regarding educational level, type of study, subject, and publication year. The related articles were retrieved from 5 databases (ERIC, Google Scholar, IEEE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science). A total of 112 articles were included, 16 research questions were explored, and a thematic analysis was conducted. To evaluate the quality of the articles included, the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used. According to the findings, gamification and virtual reality support several pedagogical theories and approaches. Their adoption to and integration into education can enrich and transform traditional teaching and learning and were assessed positively by students and teachers. Gamification elements significantly affected students’ achievements. In comparison to traditional learning environments, gamified virtual reality learning environments were more motivating, engaging, and interactive and offered more opportunities for personalized and collaborative learning. Through the realistic and interactive experiences offered, students’ immersion and social presence can be enhanced, knowledge acquisition can be improved, and material comprehension can be facilitated. Positive changes in student attitude, behavior, and mentality as well as improved cognitive, physical, and social–emotional development were observed. When using learning environments that integrate both virtual reality and gamification, students’ learning outcomes, motivation, engagement, and self-efficacy were increased. Additionally, students’ academic performance, active involvement, and satisfaction were improved. Students’ curiosity, imagination, focus, and interest were enhanced and their skills and competences were developed. Finally, gamified virtual reality emerged as an effective educational tool that can improve learning at all educational levels, subjects, and contexts.

Phenomenological Evaluation of an Undergraduate Clinical Needs Finding Skills Through a Virtual Reality Clinical Immersion Platform

AbstractClinical immersion programs have been widely used in higher education, particularly in biomedical engineering (BME) programs, to allow students to identify and evaluate the unmet clinical needs. However, due to limited space and extensive safety protocols required to enter hospitals, access for undergraduate students to shadow physicians is limited. BME students need to be trained to identify and evaluate unmet clinical needs through observation and experience to remain competitive in the medical device landscape. To be able to allow students to immerse themselves into clinical environments remotely and be able to visualize the full spectrum of healthcare workers and equipment that support a procedure beyond what is available through online video records, we have developed a virtual reality (VR) clinical immersion platform. The applicability and overall student satisfaction of using VR learning environments was investigated through a pilot undergraduate BME unmet clinical needs finding course in the spring of 2022. Pre- and post-course survey analyses revealed that the VR clinical immersion experiences did greatly increase immersion within a medical procedure, and students felt sensations of presence and embodiment. Given the results of this study, VR learning environments can provide a means for students to perform unmet clinical needs through virtual clinical immersion. However, these technologies to support environments should be readily accessible within the classroom.

Design and assessment of a virtual reality learning environment for firefighters

The use of virtual reality (VR) in firefighter training is promising because it provides cost-effective, safe environments that arouse similar behavioral responses to real-life scenarios. However, the pedagogical potential of VR and its impact on learning outcomes compared to traditional methods is currently an under-explored area. This research investigates how well VR can support learning compared to traditional methods in the context of training firefighters in combating vegetation fires. A VR learning environment was developed, informed by a “design for learning” framework providing a pedagogical underpinning. A between-subjects experiment was conducted with 40 participants to measure the knowledge transfer of the VR learning environment against the official textbook. In addition, VR's theorized learning benefits of intrinsic motivation, situational interest, and self-efficacy were compared with textbook-based learning. Lastly, the design quality of the learning environment was assessed based on its learning and user experience. We employed a primarily quantitative approach to data collection and analysis, using a combination of knowledge test results and questionnaires, with supporting qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and observation notes to answer our hypotheses. The results found a significant difference between the knowledge transfer of both conditions, with textbook-based learning more effectively transferring factual and conceptual knowledge than VR. No significant difference was found in reported self-efficacy between the two conditions but was found in reported levels of intrinsic motivation and situational interest, which were higher in the VR condition. The design was found to have facilitated a good user and learning experience, assessed via questionnaire responses. During interviews, VR participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the experience, praising the hands-on learning approach and interactivity, while reporting frustration with the lack of knowledge reinforcement and initial difficulties with the controls. A key finding was that presence was found to be negatively associated with knowledge transfer, which we theorize to be caused by the novelty of the realistic VR environment distracting participants from the more familiar lesson content. This research contributes to the body of work related to knowledge transfer within VR in this domain while highlighting key pedagogical and design considerations that can be used to inform future design implementations.

Creating a Framework for Virtual Reality Learning Environment (VRLE) for Studio-Based Learning

Higher education academics are lacking the knowledge on how to implement Design Thinking (DT) for transdisciplinary design studies that would produce Fourth Industrial Revolution Workforce Skills (4IRSkills), due to the sparsity in literature and implementation guidelines. This article discusses on the creation process of a Teaching and Learning Framework (TLF) for transdisciplinary design studies with a desktop-based Virtual Reality Learning Environment (VRLE) simulation of studio-based learning. The framework was created using a Selander’s Learning Design Sequence (LDS) with DT approach. The LDS helped the researcher to understand the processes of teaching and learning, especially on the affordances of various modes. The DT approach was used to facilitate the process of solving problems through the practice of empathy, reframing, prototyping, experimentation, testing, and redesign. A sequential explanatory mixed method was used, and the data were analyzed through inferential statistical analysis, thematic analysis and convergent coding matrix triangulation protocol. The findings indicated that the TLF with VRLE showed a positive and significant relationship with students' achievement of 4IRSkills. The TLF Design Process and Collaborative Design variables were positively correlated with students' 4IRSkills, while there was no correlation for the VRLE Representational Fidelity and Learner Interaction variables. In conclusion, the TLF with VRLE proves to be an effective and suitable method for guiding the implementation of pedagogies that teaches 4IRSkills at the tertiary level in fully online learning environments.

VR-Peas: a Virtual Reality PEdAgogical Scenarisation tool

ABSTRACT In this paper, we address the issue of the design and deployment of VR-oriented pedagogical scenarios by teachers as designers. To provide practical and theoretical solutions, we analyse the various existing models and tools for assisting teachers in the design and deployment of virtual reality learning environments (VRLEs). We identify a need for a model that covers the pedagogical needs of teachers, including the modelling of pedagogical structuring and the consideration of the specificities of the VR environment. Our main contributions are a pedagogical scenario model and the development of an editor called VR-PEAS (Virtual Reality PEdAgogical Scenarisation tool), which provides a solution that can support and help teacher-designers to design, adapt and reuse pedagogical scenarios oriented towards VR. We proposed a literature review to identify the main concepts of pedagogical scenario design and developed the computer solution according to an agile approach. To validate the basic concepts of our contribution and the impact of our implementation, we define a case study evaluation based on four different pedagogical situations using a qualitative method based on questionnaires. Our findings indicated that teachers could design VRLEs that were aligned with their pre-defined scenario and operate them successfully.

Assessing User Experiences in Virtual Reality Learning Environments

Assessing User Experiences in Virtual Reality Learning Environments

An exploratory study of social presence and cognitive engagement association in a collaborative virtual reality learning environment

As the utilization of virtual reality (VR) in engineering education increases, researchers are increasingly focused on enhancing teaching and learning within VR environments. Cognitive engagement among the participants is a fundamental outcome in any learning environment, where social interaction often plays a pivotal role. This study contributes to VR teaching and learning research by investigating the association between social presence indicators and modes of cognitive engagement in a desktop collaborative virtual reality (VR) learning environment based on the social presence theory and the cognitive engagement definition of the Interactive-Constructive-Active-Passive framework. The study participants logged into the VR platform to collaboratively solve simulated engineering statics problems. The transcripts of students' interaction videos were coded based on codebooks for both social presence and cognitive engagement. The study revealed that social presence indicators are significantly associated with the three modes of cognitive engagement (active, constructive, and interactive). Additionally, interactive open communication emerged as the primary social presence element utilized by students during cognitive engagement with peers in the learning environment. This study's findings have implications for research and practice in enhancing students' cognitive engagement through their social interactions within VR learning environment.

Examining the Predictive Relationships Between Presences of a Community of Inquiry in a Desktop Virtual Reality (VR) Learning Environment

Examining the Predictive Relationships Between Presences of a Community of Inquiry in a Desktop Virtual Reality (VR) Learning Environment

Identifying key factors of dynamic ADDIE model for instructional virtual reality design: an exploratory study

ABSTRACT Due to the features of immersive learning and without the restrictions of time and place, virtual reality (VR) is commonly used in learning areas. For investigating functional design in the VR learning environment, previous literature proposed a series of theoretical models and strategies without considering the key factors for their development. Therefore, this study explored the key factors based on the dynamic ADDIE model for the design of VR instructional systems. To augment the assessment integrity, this study adopted the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM). Open and closed questions were also integrated into the online FDM-based questionnaire to assess the opinions of expert groups, with 9 professors and 9 school teachers. The results showed that the final selection encompassed 5 criteria, 2 sub-criteria, and 23 key factors. In the overall priority order, the “interactive feedback design” was ranked as the most influential factor, while the “learner opinion survey” was the least. Most importantly, since the experts considered “formative evaluation” to be the highest significant sub-criterion, the reliability of the dynamic ADDIE model was confirmed. In addition, the divergent opinion from expert groups could provide references for future developers with different backgrounds.

Virtual learner experience (VLX)

Science educators need tools to assess to what extent learners’ knowledge can be transferred to novel real-world situations. Virtual reality learning environments (VRLEs) offer the possibility of creating authentic tools where situated learning and assessment can take place, but there is a lack of evidence-based guidelines to inform the design and development of the VRLEs focussing on the user, that is the learner experience, especially for secondary schools. Drawing on theoretical premises and guidelines from user experience, usability, and technologically enabled assessment literature, we designed, developed, evaluated, and refined a VRLE prototype for the authentic assessment of knowledge transfer in the secondary school science classroom as guided by the design science research approach. Lessons learnt from the implementation and iterative evaluation of the prototype are presented as a set of literature-based, empirically validated guidelines to support and guide educational designers and developers to create VRLEs focused on supporting the learner experience. The contribution of this study is a VRLE design model with the learner at its core, the definition of VLX to include learner-specific aspects of immersive environments, and guidelines for the development of an effective and efficient virtual reality environment for the assessment of knowledge transfer in science education.

Sign language in immersive virtual reality: design, development, and evaluation of a virtual reality learning environment prototype

ABSTRACT Non-Verbal Cues (NVCs) add to communication effectiveness among individuals in both real and virtual world. Thus, NVCs transference between the two receives increased attention from both the industry and research community. Their efforts lead to sophisticated technological solutions which allow high fidelity NVCs to be transferred from real individuals to virtual characters/avatars, in real-time, adding to the communication effectiveness of both standalone Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) applications and Social Virtual Reality (SVR) platforms. That combination triggered the development of Virtual Reality Learning Environments (VRLEs), aiming at assisting students towards learning sign language and communicating through it in both virtual and real world. Still, technological limitations affect the quality of such learning and communication experience. This work presents the design, development, and evaluation of an SVR compatible system for sign language learning and communication in virtual worlds. The system considers lessons learned from previous studies and was used to create a VRLE mimicking learning and examination processes students of sign language follow in real life. The results of our study show that despite the appreciation of technological solutions efficiency towards NVCs transference, there are still several issues to be investigated to increase the effectiveness of communication through sign language in virtual worlds.

How do autonomy and learner characteristics combine to influence learners’ learning outcomes and cognitive load in virtual reality learning environments? A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis approach

How do autonomy and learner characteristics combine to influence learners’ learning outcomes and cognitive load in virtual reality learning environments? A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis approach

A Preliminary Study on Multidisciplinary Design Framework in a Virtual Reality Learning Environment

This article presents a preliminary study on the effectiveness of the multidisciplinary design framework (MDF) for teaching and learning in a Virtual Reality Learning Environment (VRLE). The aim of the study was to investigate the students’ learning experiences with fully remote multidisciplinary groups, practicing collaborative design in a VRLE. The objective was to introduce and implement a synchronous multidisciplinary design teaching and learning engagement framework with asynchronous online documentation that manages and evaluates evidence of learning outcomes. This study employed a sequential explanatory mixed method research on a quasi-experiment involving 30 undergraduate students from the creative media specializations in collaboration with 39 other students from the business, computing, communication, and product design degree students over a 14- weeks duration. Students were surveyed using online questionnaires, interviews, and observations by the module facilitator for the quantitative and qualitative data collection. A triangulation protocol was used for the convergence coding of three data sets. Results revealed that there were 85% students scoring grade A’s as compared to 69.3% from the previous cohort that was without the framework and VRLE support. Overall, the students’ commented that the multidisciplinary design collaboration was beneficial, realizing the advantage of collaborating to merge various skill sets and knowledge to solve problems that couldn’t be solved alone. The study’s finding implied that the MDF effectively achieved the teaching and learning outcomes and could be applied to all higher education multidisciplinary collaborations in a VRLE.

Procedural content generation for VR educational applications: The investigation of AI-based approaches for improving learning experience

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has witnessed significant advancements in the field of education, with its ability to personalize and adapt content to individual student needs. In parallel, virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a powerful tutorial tool, providing immersive and interactive experiential learning experiences which has the advantages of improving students' motivation and engagement. Previous researchers have demonstrated the potential of ML algorithms, particularly RL, for generating educational content and VR environments. To create high-quality content, researchers have started exploring the integration of Machine Learning (ML) and Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithms into Procedural Content Generation (PCG) methods for automatically generating both textual and non-textual content such as practice questions, quizzes, VR learning environments, etc., which have the potential to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of educational interventions. Nonetheless, the development of these techniques requires addressing several challenges. Significant advancements are yet to be made in developing and refining these algorithms to produce high-quality and effective educational content for VR applications. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in reinforcement AI learning content generation for VR educational applications. For each area, it discusses the state-of-the-art techniques, applications, limitations, and challenges faced in development, covering the use of natural language processing, reinforcement learning, and machine learning algorithms. The review concludes by highlighting some of the key opportunities for future research in this field, including the development of more sophisticated models and the exploration of new applications of machine learning in educational technology.

Virtual Reality-based Methods for Training Novice Electrophysiology Trainees-A Pilot Study.

Developing an accurate and detailed 3-dimensional (3D) mental model of cardiac anatomy is critical for electrophysiology (EP) trainees. Due to its immersive nature, virtual reality (VR) may provide a better learning environment than traditional teaching methods for assimilating 3D cardiac anatomy. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of an interactive, remote VR-based method for teaching cardiac anatomy to novice EP trainees. We created a shared, remote VR environment that allows the shared viewing of high-resolution 3D cardiac models. Eighteen trainees accepted for pediatric and adult EP fellowships were recruited. We performed a cohort study comparing the traditional teaching methods with the VR learning environment. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire and a satisfaction survey. The adult EP trainees were given a multiple-choice pre- and post-test exam to assess their anatomical knowledge. Both the adult and pediatric EP trainee cohorts rated the VR experience positively and preferred the VR environment to the more traditional teaching method. All the participants expressed interest in incorporating the VR learning environment into the EP fellowship curriculum. The usability of the system was relatively low, with approximately one-third of participants rating the system as hard to use. The impact of the VR session on exam performance was mixed among the adult cohort. We demonstrated the feasibility of gathering geographically dispersed EP fellows in training with a shared VR-based environment to teach cardiac anatomy. Although we were not able to demonstrate a learning benefit over the traditional lecture format in the adult cohort, the training environment was favorably received by all the participants.