Effectiveness of Learning Using Virtual Reality (VR) in Understanding Lessons on Marine Biology

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to identify whether Virtual Reality (VR) could help to improve students’ learning experiences of marine biology than the more conventional techniques. This study used a quantitative quasi-experimental design with 150 high school students which were randomly divided into the group of high school students practicing with the help of virtual reality and the control group of the high school students who used the traditional learning method. For the purpose of this study formal pre-test and post-tests were administered to the students, and questionnaires concerning the level of student engagement were also used. The findings showed that the mean score of the post-test of the VR group was considerably higher than that of the traditional group, thus showing that the students who learned with the aid of the virtual reality better understood and retained information related to marine biology. Regression analysis showed a similar trend persevering the idea of the efficiency of VR, which can be effectively used in education. These results are used to support significant research for VR integration in science education especially in the specifics, such as marine biology.