2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

The Impact of Immersive Virtual Reality on Undergraduate STEM Students

Presented at AERO 3: Innovative Pedagogy and Hands-on Learning 2

Virtual reality (VR) holds great potential for increasing undergraduate student learning outcomes. However, its effective integration to enhance the learning process requires recognizing and leveraging the unique affordances of a VR environment. The process of development of a well-integrated virtual reality lesson requires several steps. These steps include not only aspects of traditional instructional design but also include identification of content appropriate for utilizing the unique characteristics of VR, user interface and user experience. This paper provides details of an exploratory study of the integration of VR lessons in aerospace engineering, biology, math, and physics introductory level courses at an HBCU. The paper includes information about the software and hardware choices, and the process of development of the lessons. Data was collected to measure usability, effectiveness, engagement, and impact of the lessons. Students reported that the VR lessons were engaging and helped them getting a better overview of the content. A comparison between the student responses to implementation in a non-immersive (computer display) and immersive (with VR headsets) environment is also included.

Authors

Dr. Chadia A. Aji Tuskegee University [biography]

Chadia Affane Aji is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Tuskegee University. Dr. Aji received her Ph.D. and M.S. in Mathematics from Auburn University and a Bachelor in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University. Her research interests lie in the areas of numerical analysis, computational applied mathematics, complex analysis, and on improving students' learning in STEM disciplines. Dr. Aji is involved in retention activities at Tuskegee University. She helps designing strategies to assist incoming freshmen cope with first year mathematics classes. She developed teaching modules to improve students' learning in mathematics using technology.
Dr. M. Javed Khan Tuskegee University [biography]

Dr. M. Javed Khan is Professor and Head of Aerospace Science Engineering Department at Tuskegee University. He received his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M University, M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the US Air Force Institute of Technology, and B.E. in Aerospace Engineering from the PAF College of Aeronautical Engineering. He also has served as Professor and Head of Aerospace Engineering Department at the National University of Science and Technology,Pakistan. His research interests include experimental aerodynamics, aircraft design and engineering education.

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