Research: Learning in VR

Objective:

This research's primary objective was to investigate the efficacy of Virtual Reality Learning Environments (VRLEs) in educational settings and to delve into the nuanced impacts of these environments on student engagement and motivation. By examining a course taught entirely in virtual reality, the study aimed to identify the specific elements within VRLEs that facilitate or hinder learning. Key questions focused on understanding the role of 'presence' in engagement levels, exploring students' motivation to learn within VR settings, and scrutinizing the technical or ergonomic limitations that may affect the educational experience.

Read the Research

Hardware
Web platforms

Software & Skills

Mozilla Hubs
UI/UX

Client
University Computer Science Department

My Roles

Lead Software Architecture and Designer
Co-Researcher

Process:

The study involved designing a specialized Mozilla Hubs VRLE for the course, providing students with VR headsets, and then teaching and evaluating the course within this immersive setting.

Professor perspective from the lecture podium.

Group of students working on their project.

Applause emoji for student presenting their work.

Spoke level editor of the virtual classroom.

Highlights & Milestones:

This project marked my first venture into leading research design and authoring a published paper. Leveraging my extended reality expertise, I directed the UI/UX design in collaboration with clients and users. The milestones reached were technical feats and advances in applied educational research.

Outcome:

The findings suggested that students generally felt the VRLEs enhanced their educational experience, elevating it above other online teaching methods. However, practical challenges like difficulties with note-taking emerged as areas requiring attention.

Future Improvements:

Going forward, there's a need to develop effective methods for note-taking within the VR context, to address the ergonomic challenges associated with prolonged headset use, and to explore options for recording VR classroom sessions for later review.