Networks of Behavior in Virtual Astronomy Tasks: An Epistemic Network Analysis

• In Event: Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in Education

Abstract

Virtual reality educational simulations can provide enriching activities to students. In a collaborative learning environment, students work in groups of 3-4 to solve three astronomy tasks. We seek to understand the digital navigational behavior on problem solving through Epistemic Network Analysis (ENA) through log data. ENA can consider categorical, temporal data to build networks of connections. Leveraging ENA, this analysis found that there are navigational behavioral differences between device type (VR headset and desktop simulation), amount of conceptual discussion, and the task the students were working on. Future implications include understanding what successful navigational behavior looks like, and the potential for just-in-time interventions.

Authors

• Morgan Diederich, Utah State University

• Jina Kang, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Robb Lindgren, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign