Virtual reality acceptance in classrooms: A case study in teaching science

Abstract

Virtual reality can be defined as “near reality” where virtual is near and reality is experience by humans. The aim of this research is to explore the benefits of VR technology in education that can engage the learning process using Virtual Reality (VR) in the classroom. Thus, the research objectives are to seek for student design and development of application, convenient, facileness and gratification of VR application in learning process. Using quantitative method, data from questionnaires and evaluations of existing Virtual Reality applications were analyzed in descriptive way to assess the viability of mobile Virtual Reality as a medium for improving learning. The developing process of an VR mobile based application is defined explicitly, and the final graphical student interface of the application is demonstrated to show overall look of the final product that is developed for this project. This includes three types of testing in this project which are performance testing, user acceptance testing and usability testing. Based on the 40 respondents results, it can be concluded that virtual reality application is a good application that can enhance and also engage students learning process in science subject as the mean value for perceived of convenient items was 3.67, followed by 3.66 for perceived of facileness items and finally mean value for perceived of gratification items was 3.61. To conclude, virtual reality application is an effective application for students’ science learning process in school especially in the 21st century teaching and learning.