Enhancing engineering student engagement and learning outcomes through WebVR and wearable sensor integration with immersive learning

Abstract

This study addresses a critical gap in immersive engineering education by integrating browser-based WebVR with wearable inertial sensors to capture and enhance students’ physical interactions. In a randomized experiment (N = 93), participants experienced either (1) a WebVR environment augmented with real-time motion tracking or (2) traditional video-based instruction. Pre- and post-tests measured conceptual understanding, while questionnaires assessed immersion, perceived interaction control (the learner’s ability to manipulate and explore virtual components—for example, zooming in on a valve assembly), and motivation. Independent-samples t-tests revealed that the WebVR-sensor group achieved significantly greater learning gains (mean improvement 12%, p