Abstract:

"Virtual Reality (VR) is a perfect technology to be used in learning topics that are inherently hard to deliver in a classroom-based environment. The Forensic Science Department (FSD) of the Al-Istiqlal University (PASS) in Palestine faces core limitations for experimental learning, such as the absence of real crime scenes, high cost of setting them up, lack of lab analysis Kits, and last but not least the likelihood of university learners high risk to experiment. To address these limitations, VR learning scenarios were designed from PASS academics, with the contribution of European pedagogical and engineering experts, in the context of the capacity building Erasmus+ KA2 project “TESLA- Virtual Reality as an Innovative and Immersive Tool for Palestinian Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) in Palestine”. Three learning scenarios were developed during this project in the fields of Forensic Biology, Physics and Geology. One of the main aims of this project was to provide not only the instructional design of the VR learning scenarios but also the Virtual World platform, that the scenario will take place. As a result, PASS students had the chance to be involved in interactive experiments, concerning the learning subject of the Forensic Molecular Biology (FMB), in a rich and stimulating Virtual Reality Worlds (VRW), alleviating all mentioned experimental learning limitations. A set of well organised forensic DNA laboratory experiments and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) events were developed with the Open Simulator (OpenSim) platform, creating an interactive VRW. An incubator has been established to provide opportunities for students and researchers from all Palestinian universities to conduct a scientific excellence research on the forensic field. PASS students played, through gamification, the learning scenario, gaining a plethora of experiences, exercising problem solving and critical skills, taking decisions, and adapting the “new” knowledge through an interactive experimenting VRW".

Keywords:

Virtual Reality, OpenSim, Syllabus, Forensic Molecular Biology, Crime Scene Investigation, Al-Istiqlal University.