Immersive virtual reality-based learning as a supplement for biomedical engineering labs: challenges faced and...

Area of Science:

• Biomolecular Engineering
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Immersive virtual reality (VR) offers virtual hands-on experience for STEM education, promoting experiential learning and retention.
• Optimizing VR implementation and assessing its advantages, trade-offs, and receptivity are crucial for effective utilization in STEM labs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and assess the effectiveness of VR-based demonstrations for a biomolecular engineering laboratory.
• To evaluate student receptivity and identify key factors for optimizing VR integration in STEM education.

Main Methods:

• Developed VR-based demonstrations using Insta360 Pro2 cameras and Meta Quest 2 headsets for a biomolecular engineering lab.
• Assessed effectiveness through surveys with free responses and Likert scale questions from 53 students.
• Compared VR demonstrations with traditional in-person lab sessions.

Main Results:

• Student discomfort significantly decreased (28.29%) compared to previous cohorts (63.63%).
• Approximately 40% of students found VR reduced distractions and provided adequate information.
• VR was more effective for demonstrating procedures, while traditional methods excelled at explaining concepts.

Conclusions:

• VR effectively supplements in-person learning by demonstrating lab procedures and tasks.
• Optimizing VR implementation requires addressing potential challenges and integrating it with traditional teaching methods.
• Findings offer insights for enhancing VR utilization in STEM education.