Using virtual reality learning environments to motivate and socialize undergraduates in distance learning

Virtual reality in one form or another has been around for over 50 years, most notably in entertainment and business environments. Technology-focused teachers have been leading the way with attempts at utilising and integrating virtual reality into K-12 and Higher Education. However, as quickly as technology changes so does the enthusiasm for the use in educational contexts. Much of this is due to the high-level cost (time and money) with no evidence-based educational return. In 2020 the global pandemic forced the education sector to innovate to provide authentic learning environments for students. The time is right for virtual reality to take centre stage. Over 171 million people worldwide currently use virtual reality, and the market in education is expected to grow by 42% over the next five years. This paper focuses on a range of virtual reality literature encompassing work across the spectrum of software and hardware, identifying where more educational implementation and research needs to be done and providing a perspective on future possibilities focusing on current affordances.

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Immersive vs. non-immersive virtual reality learning environments

10.1109/jicv53222.2021.9600337 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Diego Vergara-Rodriguez ◽

Alejandro Gomez-Asenjo ◽

Pablo Fernandez-Arias ◽

Ana Isabel Gomez-Vallecillo ◽

Victoria Eugenia Lamas-Alvarez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Learning Environments ◽

Immersive Virtual Reality

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The Moderating Effect of Debriefing on Learning Outcomes of IVR-Based Instruction: An Experimental Research

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app112110426 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (21) ◽

pp. 10426

Author(s):

Qinna Feng ◽

Heng Luo ◽

Wenhao Li ◽

Ying Chen ◽

Jiakai Zhang

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Experiential Learning ◽

Learning Environments ◽

Learning Experience ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Critical Role ◽

Moderating Effect ◽

Learning Program ◽

Study Results ◽

Based Instruction

With its ability to afford immersive and interactive learning experiences, virtual reality has been widely used to support experiential learning, of which the learning effectiveness is promoted by the instructional component of debriefing. The current literature on debriefing mainly focuses on the traditional learning contexts while little is known on its effectiveness in immersive virtual reality (IVR) learning environments. Based on the theories of experiential learning and debriefing, this study designed a debriefing strategy based on simulated learning experience and investigated its effectiveness on knowledge and behavioral learning in an IVR learning program, using a randomized controlled trial with 77 elementary students from Hubei province in China. The study results support the efficacy of IVR on improving knowledge acquisition and behavioral performance, and reveal a significant moderating effect of debriefing on the effectiveness of IVR learning environments. The study confirms the critical role of debriefing in IVR-based instruction and provides theoretical and practical implications for the design and implementation of effective IVR learning environments.

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Synchronous and Asynchronous E-Learning Modes: Strategies, Methods, Objectives

Engineering and Educational Technologies ◽

10.30929/2307-9770.2021.09.01.02 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 19-27

Author(s):

Olha Volodymyrivna Berestok ◽

Keyword(s):

Distance Education ◽

Online Learning ◽

Distance Learning ◽

Learning Environments ◽

English Language ◽

Educational Process ◽

Asynchronous Online Learning ◽

E Learning ◽

Ict Tools ◽

Learning Modes

The article deals with the main strategies, methods and objectives of synchronous and asynchronous E-Learning Modes from a scientific and practical point of view. A detailed description of the synchronous and asynchronous online-learning at different historical stages is presented. The task of the distance education in light of the trends of modern society and its role in the implementation of professional and social aspirations of an student is shown. The basic problems of contemporary ICT, the difference and peculiarities of the synchronous and asynchronous methods of e-communication are determined. The general tendencies, content, sources, means, forms and methods of ICT implementation in terms of strict quarantine circumstances are highlighted. Certain ICT tools implemented by higher educational establishments to provide distance learning in the educational institutions are defined. The key ways of overcoming the contradictions that arise in the path of self-improvement of a student in the present are called. The application of ICT tools by the teaching staff as an essential and effective instrument to modernize the educational process is emphasized. Online-learning environments, namely synchronous and asynchronous ones, essential to provide distance education, are mentioned. Various forms of interaction involved in synchronous and asynchronous modes are pointed out. The current practices of synchronous and asynchronous e-learning/teaching in English language are established. The results of the case study of the effectiveness of a/synchronous environments towards better English language learning are evaluated. The analysis of the strategy used in distance learning is presented. The leading instruments and tools for synchronous and asynchronous online-learning are stressed on. The description of "high degree of interactivity" between participants who are separated from each other geographically and in time by asynchronous learning environments is provided. The basic measures for the introduction of distance learning technologies in the educational institution, which do not contradict the principles of pedagogy, but supplement and promote the development of the process of education, are formulated. The preferences of students as for methods used during remote education are noted. Basic challenges for teachers, institutions, and students, provided by both synchronous and asynchronous modes of distance learning, are described.

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A Framework for Demonstration Devices Used in Distance-Learning Environments

Hungarian Journal of Industry and Chemistry ◽

10.33927/hjic-2021-03 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 49 (1) ◽

pp. 17-21

Author(s):

Péter Decsi ◽

Ádám Bors ◽

Péter Kocsor ◽

Bálint Vörös ◽

Barnabás Horváth ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Distance Learning ◽

Learning Environments ◽

Rolling Resistance ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Theoretical Knowledge ◽

Laboratory Measurements ◽

Pilot Projects ◽

The World ◽

Distance Learning Environment ◽

User Friendly

Distance-learning has become widespread around the world. Many training areas such as engineering require the acquisition of practical rather than theoretical knowledge. In this paper, a framework is presented in the form of four pilot projects which is used for practical laboratory measurements in a distance-learning environment. Four demonstration devices consisting of an induction motor drivetrain, a magnetorheological clutch as well as a rolling resistance and an ultrasonicsensor were built and several examples of measurements presented.The system, based on accessible and user-friendly hardware, is cost-effective, simple to program and can be adapted to suit any application.

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Internet-assisted versus traditional distance learning environments: factors affecting students’ preferences

Computers & Education ◽

10.1016/s0360-1315(03)00026-5 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 65-76 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Ruth Beyth-Marom ◽

Eran Chajut ◽

Sonia Roccas ◽

Lilach Sagiv

Keyword(s):

Distance Learning ◽

Learning Environments ◽

Factors Affecting

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