Abstract

The author investigated the interaction effect of immersive virtual reality (VR) in the classroom. The objective of the project was to develop and provide a low-cost, scalable, and portable VR system containing purposely designed and developed immersive virtual learning environments for the US Army. The purpose of the mixed design experiment was to compare lecture-based and immersive VR-based multimedia instruction, in terms of declarative knowledge acquisition (i.e. learning) of basic corrosion prevention and control with military personnel. Participants were randomly assigned to the control group (N = 115) or investigational group (N = 25) and tested immediately before and after training. The author accessed learning outcomes from the pre-exam and post-exam scores and VR system usability from exit questionnaires. Results indicate that both forms of instruction will increase learning. VR-based did produce higher gain scores and there was a statistically significant interaction between instruction type and time.

Comments

This is the author-accepted manuscript of Webster, R. (2015). Declarative knowledge acquisition in immersive virtual learning environments. Interactive Learning Environments, 24(6), 1319-1333. Copyright Taylor & Francis, the version of record is available at DOI: 10.1080/10494820.2014.994533.

Keywords

virtual reality, virtual learning environment, immersive, multimedia instruction, educational training

Date of this Version

2015

Included in

Education Commons

Share

COinS