Using Physiological and Survey Data to Evaluate Student Engagement in a Virtual Lab Learning Environment

• In Event: Division C Outstanding Graduate Student Research Posters

Abstract

Physiological data have rarely been used in education to measure student learning engagement and there is scant literature on the use of biometric devices to measure emotional responses to learning in a virtual lab environment. In this study, thirty participants conducted gamified lab experiments in a virtual environment while real-time physiological data were recorded using a Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) device. Pre- and post- content quiz and self-efficacy data, including post hoc self-report affective experience data, were obtained. Results indicated high GSR levels during hands-on (active) lab activities compared to non-active lab activities. Self-report data also correlated with real-time physiological data. Results support the use of physiological data to measure student emotional responses to learning in a virtual lab environment.

Authors

• Aster Sigel, Nevada State College

• Bryan Sigel, Nevada State College