Using Virtual Reality as Support to the Learning Process of Forensic Scenarios

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) represents a computer technology to create a simulated threedimensional (3D) environment. Compared to the traditional user interfaces, VR places the user inside an experience. This research aimed to implement and examine modern learning strategies and activities with the VR for teaching crime scene investigation. The target group of this piloting study consisted of all students who enrolled in a crime scene investigation course at Al-Istiqlal University during the Spring semester of 2021. An online item-based questionnaire has been developed. It is used to assess students' perceptions towards using cooperative, discussion, field trip and problem-solving learning strategies and activities implemented with the VR technology. This study showed that VR is a helpful tool to practice modern learning strategies and skills in learning forensic science and crime scene investigation. We can conclude that using VR technology for educational purposes supports the learning process.

Virtual reality for CSI training

“…In fact, significantly higher levels of workload and completion times were recorded. Also, other studies reporting the use of Virtual Reality as a support in the training of forensic science and crime scene investigation showed that VR is a helpful tool for learning and practicing problem-solving skills [25,26]. As reported by Khalilia et al, [25] students had a positive experience with the collaboration strategies and activities during learning crime scene investigation using a virtual environment.…”

“…Currently, the most important applications of VR in forensic science is its use for training and education, and this is probably where the most upcoming development will be seen [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29]. However, much work remains for it to become a standard training method and for it to gain acceptance on a broader scale.…”

“…As reported by Khalilia et al, [25] students had a positive experience with the collaboration strategies and activities during learning crime scene investigation using a virtual environment. Kader et al have shown that with the use of WebVR technologies, VR glasses, and smartphones teaching forensic students of a crime scene investigation can be done cost-effectively [26]. Although, in other studies, it was pointed out that the poor quality of tools may reduce the effect of VR teaching in forensic science, as insufficient level of detail could be visible [27].…”

Examination of fire scene reconstructions using virtual reality to enhance forensic decision-making. A case study in Scotland.

“…The scientific literature shows that Virtual Reality (VR) is not new to forensic science. Previous studies examined the implementation of this technology as an instrument to support a variety of applications, including but not limited to witness interrogations (Sieberth et al 2019;Sieberth and Seckiner 2023), courtroom presentations (Ma et al 2010;Sevcik et al 2022;Sieberth et al 2021;Reichherzer et al 2022;Wang et al 2019), educational purposes (Kader et al 2020;Khalilia et al 2022;Jani and Johnson 2022;Drakou and Lanitis 2016), forensic examination of injuries (Koller et al 2019) and evidence (Guarnera et al 2022), and training of forensic practitioners (Mayne and Green 2020;Karabiyik et al 2019). However, much of the research has not considered virtual reality as an operational tool for forensic investigations.…”

Design and application of virtual simulation teaching platform for intelligent manufacturing

“…In order to solve the problems of poor user experience and lack of navigational guidance in virtual simulation pedagogy, Dong et al 25 proposed a scheme for establishing an intelligent navigational chemical laboratory based on multimodal fusion. Khalilia et al 26 concluded that the learning process is supported through the implementation and study of modern learning strategies and activities for teaching crime scene investigation using virtual reality technology. An improved teaching mechanism empowered by edge computing–driven VR was proposed to enhance the education experience and improve the teaching environment 27 .…”