Abstract:

The “CVRriculum” pilot study evaluated the feasibility and benefits of introducing Virtual Reality (VR) as an experiential education (EE) medium into existing courses at our university. The goal was to allow students to recognize and understand new perspectives (e.g. diversity needs on campus) by capturing these experiences and environments using 360-degree-VR-technology. After faculty members (n=5) attended a workshop coaching them to implement VR into their classes and coursework, a complementary online toolkit was also developed. We then recruited students (n=25) from the participating faculty’s courses who volunteered to be part of the study whereby instead of a traditional assignment, they would complete an alternative VR-project addressing the same learning outcomes.

The study conducted included pre-post surveys with the control and experimental participants, took in-depth standardized observations throughout the semester, and upon project completion, students were asked to provide a reflection on their experience, additionally, a select number of students were invited to participate in a focus group.

While challenges were identified (and will be addressed in subsequent iterations), the overwhelming response was that VR-integration provides a fresh perspective and that both students and educators are keen to include this novel technology as a means for EE in their future curriculums. This pilot project, equipped students with technical skills, and created an opportunity for the entire class to feel and be immersed with learning.

Keywords:

Virtual Reality, Empathy, Experiential Education.