Training in components of computational thinking via a virtual Education 4.0 application in an environment of complex thinking

Abstract

Education 4.0 and its applications such as web-based virtual reality (WebVR) can be useful to strengthen student learning, as the use of this technology in teaching allows participation in simulated reality scenarios that strengthen interaction and the development of communication and collaboration skills. In this study, both acceptance and the academic performance of 258 students who participated in a learning experience around components of computational thinking were evaluated through the implementation of a knowledge rally that was designed in a three-dimensional virtual world. The study considered an experimental group and a control group. The results indicate that there is a high level of acceptance to adopt virtual scenarios as a space for learning, and that the academic performance of the students showed an improvement when it was generated in the application of simulated reality. However, there are opportunities that need to be resolved to successfully implement these experiences, such as access to computers with high processing capacity and the development of digital skills for both teachers and students.