Immersive VR in Vocational Education Knowledge Gains and Motivational Effects

• In Event: Current Perspectives on Workplace Learning in the Digital Age and Beyond

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) in vocational education, focusing on knowledge acquisition and motivational effects in warehouse logistics. Through a randomized controlled trial with 72 students, we compared IVR-based learning to paper-based methods. Results show that IVR did not improve immediate declarative knowledge acquisition; in fact, the paper-pencil group outperformed the IVR group on an objective post-test. However, IVR significantly enhanced students' perceived knowledge gains and motivation. The study reveals a discrepancy between perceived and actual learning in IVR setting. While IVR can be recommended for enhancing short-term learner engagement, traditional methods or a blend of IVR and non-immersive techniques may be more effective for fostering declarative knowledge.

Authors

• Herbert Thomann, University of Göttingen

• Viola Deutscher, University of Goettingen