Designing Virtual Reality Learning Experiences: Tips and Best Practices
Virtual reality (VR) has become an increasingly popular technology for creating immersive learning experiences. It offers learners a singular opportunity to practise skills and apply knowledge in a secure and controlled setting by simulating real-life scenarios. Effective VR learning experiences, however, call for meticulous preparation and execution. We will look at some best practises and advice for creating VR learning experiences in this article.
Determine the learning objectives
Like with any learning experience, it’s critical to determine the goals in advance. By doing so, you can make sure that the VR experience is in line with the planned learning outcomes and that the design process is guided accordingly.
Choose the appropriate VR hardware and software
There are a variety of hardware and software alternatives available, each having advantages and disadvantages. In accordance with the learning objectives and the intended audience, it’s critical to select the appropriate hardware and software. The degree of engagement, the level of realism, and the level of technical competence needed are possible considerations.
Design for interactivity
The high level of engagement that VR can offer is one of the technology’s main advantages. Designing for interactivity entails giving learners the chance to interact with the virtual setting, make decisions, and get feedback. This could entail adding interactive simulations, branching scenarios, or gamification components.
Give the user experience the top priority
Every VR learning experience must succeed in order for it to be successful. This entails making sure the user interface is simple to use, eliminating unnecessary distractions, and designed for ease of use. It’s also crucial to think about the learner’s physical comfort, such as preventing motion sickness and offering frequent rests.
Test and iterate
Testing and iteration are essential to the success of a VR learning experience, as they are with any design process. This can entail carrying out user testing, getting user feedback, and making improvements in light of the findings. It’s crucial to refine the design until the learning goals are satisfied and the interaction is efficient and enjoyable.
VR integration into learning design has the potential to be a very powerful tool for producing interesting and immersive learning experiences. Yet it’s crucial to approach the design process carefully and meticulously. Learning designers can develop VR experiences that are in line with learning objectives, enjoyable for learners, and successful in producing the required learning outcomes by using the aforementioned advice and best practices.
References:
Bower, M., Howe, C., McCredie, N., Robinson, A., & Grover, D. (2014). Augmented reality in education–cases, places and potentials. Educational Media International, 51(1), 1-15.
Felnhofer, A., Kothgassner, O. D., Schmidt, M., Heinzle, A. K., Beutl, L., & Hlavacs, H. (2015). Is virtual reality emotionally arousing? Investigating five emotion inducing virtual park scenarios. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 82, 48-56.
Sitzmann, T. (2011). A meta-analysis of self-regulated learning in work-related training and educational attainment: What we know and where we need to go. Psychological Bulletin, 137(3), 421-442.