Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of an Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Educational Game for Learning Topology Relations at Schools: A Case Study

Abstract

Education has always been modified by employing different technologies to enhance the knowledge acquisition and performance of students. Virtual Reality (VR) along with the Game Industry is among those evolving technologies for educational applications. This study aimed to design, implement, and evaluate an immersive VR-based Educational Game (IVREG) for learning topology relations. Topology relations are one of the fundamental topics which exist in Geospatial Information Science (GIS); due to the great capabilities offered by GIS, learning these basic topis is of great importance. A total of thirty-seven male middle-school students participated in this study. A total of four questionnaires were designed to evaluate the suitability of the proposed learning environment and its components at schools, particularly for learning geospatial topics. In conclusion, students found the IVREG useful and effective in classrooms. Additionally, the results showed that the components, namely the integrated pedagogical approach, gamification, and VR technology, were all suitable for being used at schools. On a final note, however, the study indicated that the immersion aspect of such learning environments should be enhanced in future studies.

Gamification in education: A citation network analysis using CitNetExplorer

“…Four papers by the same lead author explored the incorporation of video games into the curricula of secondary education courses (Annetta et al, 2009a(Annetta et al, , 2009b(Annetta et al, , 2010(Annetta et al, , 2013. Another four papers (Cheng et al, 2015;Safari Bazargani et al, 2021;Virvou & Katsionis, 2008;Yuana et al, 2015) explored virtual reality gaming in secondary education. Virtual reality is a constructed environment that provides a sense of presence for users in a real or imaginary world (Manis & Choi, 2019).…”

Effects of Touch-type Online Educational Games on Learners’ Learning Motivations

“…Huang et al [23] concluded that medium and high-level immersion can stimulate learning motivations, participation in, and support of learning. Bazargani et al [24] stated that the HMD VR-based learning method contributes to a higher immersion level than the tablet PC-based method. Cheng's [25] research shows that students' learning motivations can be significantly regulated by their immersion-type attention and enjoyable experience.…”

Implementation of a Machine Learning Approach to Model and Assess Student Spatial Intelligence for Advancing STEM Education

“…The most effective and practical work is introducing new educational approaches including artistic, abstract or design works and games to the curriculum where students have time to do so and discuss it with each other in schools. This can be carried out by integrating educational concepts in 3D computer-aid or virtual reality systems that provide a rich environment for students to play and reinforce SI such as ref (100,101) or hands-on concrete materials (e.g., puzzle pieces, blocks, origami) such as ref (102). Project-based learning is a useful approach where students gain experience and knowledge about solving real-world problems and challenges, as has been recommended in many studies (103).…”