Presentation 1: VSPER Theory, An Interactive and Immersive Learning Environment (Full Paper #73)
Authors: Danica Buenviaje Fujiwara, Kevin Louis Kellar, Krzysztof Pietroszek, Irene Humer and Christian Eckhardt
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In this work, we are exploring the role of immersive learning in regards to predicting molecular structures and orbital hybridization. Specifically, we utilize an interactive virtual learning environment to help teach the concept of the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory. We developed an interactive and immersive simulation in which participants constructed virtual molecules. Following the simulation, we conducted the Game Experience Questionnaire to assess the Immersion as well as asked participants to identify shapes of similar molecules to measure their understanding of the theory. We compared these participants' level of comprehension with a control group, and results show that our virtual learning environment experience improves apprehension of three dimensional structures in chemistry.
Presentation 2: Room Scale Virtual Reality Physics Education in Classrooms (Short Paper #89)
Authors: Johanna Pirker, Michael Holly and Christian Gütl
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Interactive and digital learning experiences are becoming increasingly important and used to improve various learning scenarios. In physics education, the use of digital simulations or virtual laboratories to support the learners' understanding is already part of most classrooms. Virtual reality experiences can be used to create even more exciting, engaging, and realistic learning setups to conduct experiments and work with simulations. A range of studies has shown a positive effect of virtual reality experiences for learning. In this paper, we explore the potential of physics education in virtual reality in school-based classroom scenarios. We present a study with 147 students from four different schools, to evaluate the potential of room-scale VR learning setups in classroom learning with a focus on engagement and learning experience. In this study, we found that students described the experiences as highly engaging and a valuable tool to increase motivation in classrooms. Different potential use cases from the students' perspective are evaluated and discussed.
Presentation 3: An Immersive and Interactive Visualization of Gravitational Waves (Full Paper #88)
Authors: Stefan Lontschar, Krzysztof Pietroszek, Christian Gütl, Irene Humer and Christian Eckhardt
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In this work we are presenting a novel virtual learning environment for understanding the phenomena of gravitational waves. Emphasizing on the popular aspect of this topic, we developed an interactive and immersive gravitational wave simulation using a field density representation. We identified three main areas of understanding gravitational waves such as wave source, spatial irradiation distribution and wave type, which the virtual learning environment supports and was designed for. Participant were tested on their knowledge post and prior to the VLE experience as well as on their perceived immersion with the Game Experience Questionnaire. We found striking results in improving the understanding for gravitational waves, that underlines the feasibility of your virtual learning environment.
