“Something Magical Is Happening”: Designing for Emotions and Learning in Virtual Reality (Poster 37): Division C - Section 3b: Technology-Based Environments, Stage 2, 5:49 PM

• In Event: e-Lightening Ed-Talk Session 17 - Stage 2

Abstract

As learning experiences become more spatial in virtual environments, it is important to design these spatial experiences effectively and take advantage of the affordances that technologies like virtual reality provide. This study explores how to design VR more effectively for learning by conducting a virtual reality mixed methods study as participants (N = 9) performed a think-aloud and navigated a VR biology simulation with two learning activities. Through an exploratory coding and network analysis process, thematic insights emerged, allowing for the initial development of design heuristics for VR learning. Connections between affective states, psychocognitive states, VR design factors, and learning mechanics are identified and distinguished as influential components in the VR cognitive-affective learning process.

Authors

• Sara Jakubowicz, New York University

• Yuli Shao, New York University