Online laboratories supported with virtual reality for higher education

Abstract

Online laboratories have become an alternative solution for the development of the practical component of subjects of higher education academic programs in settings in which physical access is difficult in person. In particular, emerging technologies such as virtual reality enhances the implementation and integration of software applications that allow the user to observe a three-dimensional scenario causing the feeling of being immersed in it. On the other hand, in a complementary way, the universal diffusion and use of mobile communication devices allow to have scenarios in which students through Smartphone cameras access virtual reality software applications giving the feeling of being immersed in a real context. Regarding the central scope, this work describes a method for the design and implementation of software applications that allow the virtualization of laboratory practices in subjects of higher education academic programs. Additionally, as a test, a virtual reality application was implemented that simulates a laboratory practice of the advanced topics in software engineering course of the systems engineering program of the Universidad de Pamplona, Colombia. Finally, measures of perception of emotional variables such as stress, concentration, commitment, attention and focus were taken through an instrument to a sample of the students of the course regarding the interaction they registered when interacting with the technological product. In conclusion, it can be said that through virtual reality, technological solutions can be implemented for laboratory virtualization in emergency scenarios such as the development of the teaching-learning process through technological mediations.