Adding a Web-Based Virtual Reality Classroom Experience to a Hybrid, Blended Course Modality

The blended classroom is a unique space for face-to-face (F2F) interaction and online learning. The blended classroom has three distinct interaction types: in-person synchronous, virtual synchronous, and virtual asynchronous; each of these modalities lends itself to different forms of extended reali...

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Main Author: Laura Huisinga
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-08-01
Series:Virtual Worlds
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2813-2084/2/3/14
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author Laura Huisinga
author_facet Laura Huisinga
author_sort Laura Huisinga
collection DOAJ
description The blended classroom is a unique space for face-to-face (F2F) interaction and online learning. The blended classroom has three distinct interaction types: in-person synchronous, virtual synchronous, and virtual asynchronous; each of these modalities lends itself to different forms of extended reality. This case study looks at using a virtual reality (VR) classroom for an online synchronous weekly meetings for three upper-division or advanced (junior and senior level) higher education design classes at a university. The use of social web VR for a classroom can offer a collaborative, real-time environment that bridges the gap between virtual video conferences and gaming platforms. This paper examines how to use social web VR in a virtual classroom. Mixed methods were used to collect usability data at the end of the semester survey. The system usability scale (SUS) and several qualitative questions gathered student feedback. Overall, the students enjoyed using the VR classroom, but audio issues seemed to be the most significant pain point. While the overall response was positive, this study will address several areas for improvement from both the student and instructor perspectives. Social, web-based VR offers promising potential. Designing a human-centered virtual environment and considering all participants’ total user experience is critical to a successful learning tool.
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spelling doaj.art-9e95844e78b948459c418084829c95932023-11-19T13:21:30ZengMDPI AGVirtual Worlds2813-20842023-08-012323124210.3390/virtualworlds2030014Adding a Web-Based Virtual Reality Classroom Experience to a Hybrid, Blended Course ModalityLaura Huisinga0Department of Art, Design and Art History, California State University Fresno Campus, CA 93740, USAThe blended classroom is a unique space for face-to-face (F2F) interaction and online learning. The blended classroom has three distinct interaction types: in-person synchronous, virtual synchronous, and virtual asynchronous; each of these modalities lends itself to different forms of extended reality. This case study looks at using a virtual reality (VR) classroom for an online synchronous weekly meetings for three upper-division or advanced (junior and senior level) higher education design classes at a university. The use of social web VR for a classroom can offer a collaborative, real-time environment that bridges the gap between virtual video conferences and gaming platforms. This paper examines how to use social web VR in a virtual classroom. Mixed methods were used to collect usability data at the end of the semester survey. The system usability scale (SUS) and several qualitative questions gathered student feedback. Overall, the students enjoyed using the VR classroom, but audio issues seemed to be the most significant pain point. While the overall response was positive, this study will address several areas for improvement from both the student and instructor perspectives. Social, web-based VR offers promising potential. Designing a human-centered virtual environment and considering all participants’ total user experience is critical to a successful learning tool.https://www.mdpi.com/2813-2084/2/3/14virtual realityblended learning classroomsocial virtual realityweb-based virtual realityvirtual reality classroomextended reality
spellingShingle Laura Huisinga
Adding a Web-Based Virtual Reality Classroom Experience to a Hybrid, Blended Course Modality
Virtual Worlds
virtual reality
blended learning classroom
social virtual reality
web-based virtual reality
virtual reality classroom
extended reality
title Adding a Web-Based Virtual Reality Classroom Experience to a Hybrid, Blended Course Modality
title_full Adding a Web-Based Virtual Reality Classroom Experience to a Hybrid, Blended Course Modality
title_fullStr Adding a Web-Based Virtual Reality Classroom Experience to a Hybrid, Blended Course Modality
title_full_unstemmed Adding a Web-Based Virtual Reality Classroom Experience to a Hybrid, Blended Course Modality
title_short Adding a Web-Based Virtual Reality Classroom Experience to a Hybrid, Blended Course Modality
title_sort adding a web based virtual reality classroom experience to a hybrid blended course modality
topic virtual reality
blended learning classroom
social virtual reality
web-based virtual reality
virtual reality classroom
extended reality
url https://www.mdpi.com/2813-2084/2/3/14
work_keys_str_mv AT laurahuisinga addingawebbasedvirtualrealityclassroomexperiencetoahybridblendedcoursemodality