Virtual Reality Integration in Social Studies Classroom: Impact on Student Knowledge, Classroom Engagement, and Historical Empathy Development

Abstract

While virtual reality (VR) technology can provide students with first-hand and situational learning experiences, limited studies have integrated VR in a K-12 classroom, resulting in the lack of understanding of the benefits and challenges of VR use in classroom settings. To examine the impact of VR on student learning, this study employed a mixed-methods quasi-experimental research approach and integrated a fully immersive VR (i.e., Oculus Quest) and non-immersive VR (i.e., 3D website) into 9th-grade social studies classrooms. The findings demonstrated that while the quantitative data did not demonstrate statistically significant improvement in knowledge development and classroom engagement after students use VR, qualitative data showed positive learning benefits and classroom engagement. Furthermore, statistically significant growth was observed in the development of historical empathy with VR use. The findings share critical insight into the impact of VR on student learning and the challenges of VR integration in a K-12 classroom.

The Impact of Immersive Virtual Reality on Knowledge Acquisition and Adolescent Perceptions in Cultural Education

“…The high degree of enjoyment expressed by participants aligns also with the Self-Determination Theory, which posits that intrinsically motivated activities that satisfy needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness are more likely to persist across time [64]. Importantly, the positive student perceptions echo broader trends in educational technology research, where VR is increasingly recognised for its potential to enhance motivation, engagement, and overall learning satisfaction [29].…”

“…The authors in [28] Marto catalogued a range of applications from virtual tours to educational games, underlining the multifaceted advantages of Virtual/Augmented Reality in the cultural heritage sector. Other researchers [19,29] have leveraged VR to animate historical settings as a means of providing a firsthand understanding of diverse cultures. Moving beyond historical perspectives, recent works [30][31][32] have demonstrated that VR's applicability is broad-extending to contemporary cultural contexts-including interactive museum exhibitions and storytelling about indigenous cultures as well as the illumination of specific cultural practices.…”

Unlocking the Potential: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in Education

“…However, qualitative data indicated positive learning benefits and increased classroom engagement. Notably, the improvement was observed to have developed due to historical empathy through VR [50]. In recent times, the implementation of AR/VR has been extended to K-12 teachers for their professional development programs.…”

The relationship between perceived learning, academic performance and academic engagement in virtual education for university students

“…Although the Peruvian government has approved the gradual return to face-to-face classes in universities, some higher education experts argue that the virtual or blended modality may continue to be offered at universities in the coming years (Navarro, López, & Caycho, 2021). However, the necessary learning outcomes cannot be ensured by online learning alone (Lu, Yang, Wu, & Yang, 2023;Riner, Hur, & Kohlmeier, 2022). The adaptability of online learning has been a challenge for universities due to the low levels of digital skills of teachers and students (Bonilla-Guachamín, 2020).…”