Using Culturally Relevant Virtual Reality to Connect Science to Community

• In Event: 64.084 - Teaching and Teacher Education in Urban Communities

Abstract

This mixed methods study examines the impact of virtual reality (VR) science lessons designed using culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP). Drawing from theories of multimedia learning and CRP, we illuminate how student learning using VR may benefit from focusing on design elements related to students’ cultures. Using pre- and post-surveys (n=121) and post-interviews (n=48), we examined urban elementary students’ perceptions of a VR lesson about food chains that incorporated their community context. Findings support that learning through this model enhanced students’ perceptions of the connection between science and their community. Implications of this study highlight the potential of technology as a resource to help teachers provide content that allows urban students to see the value of science in their community.

Authors

• Kathryn Ribay, Stanford University

• Greses Anabell Perez, Stanford University

• Bryan A. Brown, Stanford University

• Phillip Andrew Boda, Stanford University

• Diego Aleman