Using a Virtual Reality Tool for Experimental Learning in Engineering. A Survey of Learner Preferences

Molina-Cristobal, A. , Shah, J. A., Lim, L. H. I. and Hussain, S. (2024) Using a Virtual Reality Tool for Experimental Learning in Engineering. A Survey of Learner Preferences. In: 2023 IEEE International Conference on Teaching, Assessment and Learning for Engineering (TALE), Auckland, New Zealand, 27 Nov - 1 Dec 2023, ISBN 9781665453325 (doi: 10.1109/TALE56641.2023.10398242)

Abstract

Engineering laboratories are designed to provide ‘real’ hands-on experience to the students. However, building laboratories that are suitable to serve a large student population is challenging due to the limited resources. We propose that unsupervised laboratory activities be conducted with virtual reality (VR) tools to support existing laboratories infrastructure or aid lecture delivery with VR experiments. The VR based laboratory permits students to interact virtually with the equipment and connect theoretical concepts with virtual experiments. We have designed a sample of undergrad VR laboratory lessons for students in engineering programs at the University of Glasgow Singapore and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). In this paper, our study aims to obtain student feedback through structured questionnaires to identify what characteristics of the VR technology implementation enhance student engagement in an engineering laboratory provision. We present findings from the questionnaire on the learners' preferences. In particular, our findings identify that although the VR tool's characteristics are engaging, students find the implementation a cumbersome process to access VR lessons. Finally, we provide some recommendations for future implementations.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Keywords: Virtual Reality, engineering education, Kolb’s learning cycle.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Shah, Dr Jolly Atit and Hussain, Dr Sajjad and Lim, Dr Li Hong Idris and Molina-Cristobal, Dr Arturo
• Authors: Molina-Cristobal, A., Shah, J. A., Lim, L. H. I., and Hussain, S.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity
• ISSN: 2470-6698
• ISBN: 9781665453325
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 IEEE
• First Published: First published in Proceedings of the 2023 IEEE International Conference on Teaching, Assessment and Learning for Engineering (TALE)
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher