2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Despite its transformative potential, implementing Virtual Reality (VR) in higher education faces significant barriers, making widespread adoption challenging. Chief among these challenges is the high cost of VR hardware and software, which restricts access primarily to well-resourced institutions. Additionally, technical hurdles, such as the need for powerful computing resources, specialized setup and maintenance skills, and frequent software updates further complicate VR integration. Additionally, the steep learning curve for educators and students unfamiliar with the technology adds another layer of difficulty. Developing or sourcing high-quality, educationally relevant VR content demands significant time, expertise, and financial investment. Accessibility concerns also persist, as VR can be physically demanding or disorienting for some users, potentially excluding individuals with disabilities.

Nevertheless, the increasing demand from industry for students to be tech-savvy and well-versed in cutting-edge technologies makes VR implementation a valuable endeavor in higher education.

This paper presents findings from a VR module implemented in a Technology course titled Leadership Strategies for Quality and Productivity. The instructional team secured 20 VR headsets for a 3-week module, encouraging students to critically explore and reflect on learning experiences with and through VR. Each week, students completed reflection activities responding to (1) Comparison of Learning Experiences, (2) Emotional Engagement, (3) Personal Growth and Development, and (4) Real-World Leadership Applications.

A preliminary thematic analysis conducted using NVivo revealed distinct patterns in student responses across the three-week module. In the first week, students’ reflections centered on learning the technology and navigating instructional support. By the second week, responses indicated clear learning gains related to VR’s capabilities. By the third week, students highlighted VR's value and potential opportunities in real-world applications.

While traditional face-to-face instruction remains the foundation of education, industry demands that students be more proficient with technology. VR emerges as a powerful supplementary tool, as it enables immersive, interactive, and highly customizable learning experiences, offering new ways to engage with content.

The paper concludes by discussing lessons learned, offering practical recommendations for educators, and suggesting additional instructional resources for institutions with or without access to VR technology.