Developing a Virtual Reality Educational Tool to Stimulate Emotions for Learning: Focus Group Study.

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Virtual Reality in Education
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• Immersive 360° videos in virtual reality (VR) headsets offer potential for experiential learning in health care and social work education.
• There is a need for empirical research on VR educational tools and the pedagogical theories guiding their development.
• This study explores how VR educational tools can stimulate emotions and serve as pedagogical instruments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore faculty and student experiences with a prototype VR 360° video educational tool.
• To investigate how VR prototypes stimulate emotions in learners.
• To determine the potential applications of VR in higher education for health care and social work students.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research design.
• Data collected through focus group interviews with project participants.
• Qualitative content analysis of interview data.

Main Results:

• VR 360° video experiences stimulated emotions, mirroring authentic professional situations.
• Participants emphasized the need to contextualize VR experiences within a safe educational framework.
• Direct eye contact from actors in 360° videos enhanced emotional engagement.

Conclusions:

• 360° videos with direct eye contact can be effective pedagogical tools, fostering authentic professional experiences.
• VR educational tools can prepare students for real-world practice in health and social work.
• Contextualization and faculty-guided reflection are crucial for managing emotions and ensuring effective learning with VR.