Design of Virtual Reality System for Organic Chemistry

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) is an advanced technology widely used in many fields. Education is essential for human resources development, and the use of technology in education can enhance teaching and learning methods. This study aims to present new methods and tools for visual and interactive education in organic chemistry. The experimental design and chemical equipment used in this research are based on the basic theory of organic chemistry, and the related materials are simulated as three-dimensional (3D) models to perform the experiments in a VR system. Chemical reactions are simulated by mixing the chemicals, and the students can observe the chemical reactions that occur. In addition, we measured the impact of using virtual organic chemistry experiments. The system was evaluated by students of the organic chemistry department, and the effectiveness of the experimental apparatus was evaluated in discussions and surveys. The results indicate that VR technologies may be considered suitable for adoption as an accessible educational tool, and that simulating laboratory circumstances through a VR system can improve students' learning outcomes in experimental chemistry.

Virtual Reality to Teach Students in Laboratories: A Bibliometric and Network Analysis

“…94 The latest articles using both Computer-Based Learning and Undergraduate Education as keywords are related to Chemistry Education. 29,52 ■ DISCUSSION Several fully software-based virtual laboratories have been developed in different areas. 26,36 The results reveal important aspects of the research conducted in the field of VR in virtual laboratory implementations from 1994 to 2022.…”

“…The highest co-occurrences are also between these four keywords, with VR and Simulation being the highest (21 co-occurrences), followed by VR and Education (17) and VR and VL (16). The last published article where VR and Simulation are cited together is about a VR Lab for organic chemistry education at a university . As for the keywords VR and education, they were cited together in a publication in which a VR space laboratory was used for the education of primary and secondary school children …”

“…Despite the benefits that VR environments bring to laboratory teaching, they present challenges for institutions and researchers adopting this interactive approach. Proficiency in specific digital tools, such as Unity, − 3DSMax (and other modeling software , ), and image treatment software as Adobe Photoshop is crucial for creating virtual environments, demanding specialized team members. Specific equipment, such as the Microsoft Kinect, camera One X, and Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs), is also essential.…”

“…Proficiency in specific digital tools, such as Unity, − 3DSMax (and other modeling software , ), and image treatment software as Adobe Photoshop is crucial for creating virtual environments, demanding specialized team members. Specific equipment, such as the Microsoft Kinect, camera One X, and Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs), is also essential. In many cases, a programming language, such as C#, , must be used to generate simulation software.…”

“…Specific equipment, such as the Microsoft Kinect, camera One X, and Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs), is also essential. In many cases, a programming language, such as C#, , must be used to generate simulation software. Moreover, some virtual environments can cause discomfort to users brought by random movements of the unstable HMDs .…”