Stimulation of Argumentative and Summary Writing in Science Using Virtual Reality Environments

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 30
  In Roundtable Session: Technology, Instruction, Cognition and Learning SIG: Students' Experiences With Technology

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate if textbook use and virtual reality influence writing complexity and lexical density as a proxy for critical thinking and learning. This study also explores argumentative and summative writing when integrated with a virtual reality experience. The variable of interest was, mode of exposure to information sources, and included the four conditions: VR, VR followed by text, text followed by VR, and text only. The authors examined the effects of these environments on the lexical density and complexity of summary and argumentative writing tasks in a science context. Data consisted of neuroimaging and written responses. The main effect of the modal condition was statistically significant in influencing lexical density and writing complexity.

Authors

• Richard Lamb, East Carolina University

• Elisabeth Etopio, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Brian Hand, University of Iowa

• SaeYeol Yoon, Delaware State University