The Impact of Immersive Virtual Reality on Undergraduate STEM Students

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) holds great potential for increasing undergraduate student learning outcomes. However, its effective integration to enhance the learning process requires recognizing and leveraging the unique affordances of a VR environment. The process of development of a well-integrated virtual reality lesson requires several steps. These steps include not only aspects of traditional instructional design but also include identification of content appropriate for utilizing the unique characteristics of VR, user interface and user experience. This paper provides details of an exploratory study of the integration of VR lessons in aerospace engineering, biology, math, and physics introductory level courses at an HBCU. The paper includes information about the software and hardware choices, and the process of development of the lessons. Data was collected to measure usability, effectiveness, engagement, and impact of the lessons. Students reported that the VR lessons were engaging and helped them getting a better overview of the content. A comparison between the student responses to implementation in a non-immersive (computer display) and immersive (with VR headsets) environment is also included.