Is Virtual Reality the Future of STEM Learning? Student Perspective

• In Event: Simulations and Immersive Learning Experiences

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) has been used to support various instructional needs such as practicing highly risky tasks or providing visualization of unperceivable properties and abstract concepts for better understanding. Most existing VR research has studied the effects of VR on learning by measuring students’ performance or engagement, objectively; however, studies of VR from students’ perspectives are scarce. This study investigated how various aspects of VR affect elementary and middle school students’ perspectives of their learning of math and science while participating in a VR learning experience. The results showed that the students deemed the VR apps engaging and effective for facilitating their learning process. However, they did not see noticeable benefits of VR in helping them with practical transfer knowledge.

Authors

• Woei Hung, University of North Dakota

• BJ Groskreutz

• Heather Bump, University of North Dakota