2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

BOARD # 238: Exploring the impact of Knowledge Acquisition in a CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment) on engineering students computational thinking skill levels.

Presented at NSF Grantees Poster Session I

Research in this study investigated the impact of CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment) virtual reality systems on developing computational thinking skills in engineering students. Using a quasi-experimental design, 37 students were divided into control (17) and experimental (20) groups. This research focused on five key components: Creative Thinking, Algorithmic Thinking, Cooperative Thinking, Critical Thinking, and Problem Solving. Both groups were given a pre-test and post-test assessments using the modified (Korkmaz et al, 2017) Computational Thinking Scale developed by (Ojajuni, 2024). The experimental group engaged with VR-based modules in a CAVE environment, while the control group received traditional instruction. Data analysis included reliability testing, normality tests, and a within-group and between-group comparisons.

Despite low internal consistency in the measurement tool and lack of statistically significant changes (p > 0.05), the results revealed promising trends in the experimental group. Effect size calculations indicated small to medium positive effects in Algorithmic Thinking (Cohen's d = 0.538) and Problem Solving (Cohen's d = 0.557). Creative Thinking and Cooperative Thinking showed small positive effects, while Critical Thinking remained largely unaffected. These findings suggest that CAVE virtual reality environments have the potential for enhancing computational thinking skills in engineering education, particularly in algorithmic thinking and problem-solving. The immersive nature of CAVE systems appeared to facilitate deeper engagement with complex concepts, making abstract ideas more tangible and accessible.

Because of the study’s small sample size and low internal consistency in the assessment tool, the research team concluded that further research is needed to bring a deeper understanding to the impact of knowledge acquisition in a CAVE on engineering students CT skills level. The results of this research have significant implications for engineering education, suggesting that integrating VR technologies could lead to more dynamic and enhanced engineering curriculums. While promising, the variability in critical thinking scores indicates that further refinement of VR content may be necessary to effectively target all aspects of computational thinking.

Research in this study is supported by NSF Project #1915520: Enhancing Additive Manufacturing Education with Virtual Reality and Cybersecurity.

Authors

Dr. Opeyemi Peter Ojajuni http://orcid.org/https://0000-0002-4294-2528 Southern University and A&M College [biography]

Opeyemi Peter Ojajuni is a Post doctoral - Research Manager at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge. He obtained his PhD in Science and Mathematics Education from Southern University, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from Covenant University in Nigeria and a Master's in Mobile and Satellite Communication from the University of Surrey in the UK. With over three years of experience, Opeyemi applies machine learning and data science to solve complex problems. His research leverages emerging technologies including virtual reality and AI to quantify and advance computational thinking skills acquisition and retention. He has published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at major conferences on using immersive simulations to boost student engagement and learning outcomes.
Yasser Ismail Southern University and A&M College [biography]

Dr. Yasser Ismail is an Associate Professor in the Electrical Engineering Department at Southern University and A&M College (SU). Dr. Ismail has over twenty (20) years of professional experience in teaching and research. With a focus on Electronics and Electrical Communication, he holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Mansoura University in Egypt. He also got a master’s and a doctorate degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Dr. Ismail has a broad background in machine learning-based applications, hardware accelerators for machine learning, modeling and design techniques for reliable, low-power, and high-performance VLSI and FPGA systems, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Internet of Video Things (IoVT), digital video processing algorithms/architectures levels, and wireless and digital communication systems. Dr. Ismail has served as an NSF panel reviewer from 2019 – present. He served as a PI and Co-PI of over twelve (17) funded grants from NSF, State, and international fund agencies. Dr. Ismail participated in organizing several STEM programs and activities for undergraduate and K-12 students at the College of Sciences and Engineering and high schools.
Yasser Ismail Southern University and A&M College [biography]

Dr. Yasser Ismail is an Associate Professor in the Electrical Engineering Department at Southern University and A&M College (SU). Dr. Ismail has over twenty (20) years of professional experience in teaching and research. With a focus on Electronics and Electrical Communication, he holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Mansoura University in Egypt. He also got a master’s and a doctorate degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Dr. Ismail has a broad background in machine learning-based applications, hardware accelerators for machine learning, modeling and design techniques for reliable, low-power, and high-performance VLSI and FPGA systems, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Internet of Video Things (IoVT), digital video processing algorithms/architectures levels, and wireless and digital communication systems. Dr. Ismail has served as an NSF panel reviewer from 2019 – present. He served as a PI and Co-PI of over twelve (17) funded grants from NSF, State, and international fund agencies. Dr. Ismail participated in organizing several STEM programs and activities for undergraduate and K-12 students at the College of Sciences and Engineering and high schools.
Yasser Ismail Southern University and A&M College [biography]

Dr. Yasser Ismail is an Associate Professor in the Electrical Engineering Department at Southern University and A&M College (SU). Dr. Ismail has over twenty (20) years of professional experience in teaching and research. With a focus on Electronics and Electrical Communication, he holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Mansoura University in Egypt. He also got a master’s and a doctorate degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Dr. Ismail has a broad background in machine learning-based applications, hardware accelerators for machine learning, modeling and design techniques for reliable, low-power, and high-performance VLSI and FPGA systems, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Internet of Video Things (IoVT), digital video processing algorithms/architectures levels, and wireless and digital communication systems. Dr. Ismail has served as an NSF panel reviewer from 2019 – present. He served as a PI and Co-PI of over twelve (17) funded grants from NSF, State, and international fund agencies. Dr. Ismail participated in organizing several STEM programs and activities for undergraduate and K-12 students at the College of Sciences and Engineering and high schools.
Yasser Ismail Southern University and A&M College [biography]

Dr. Yasser Ismail is an Associate Professor in the Electrical Engineering Department at Southern University and A&M College (SU). Dr. Ismail has over twenty (20) years of professional experience in teaching and research. With a focus on Electronics and Electrical Communication, he holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Mansoura University in Egypt. He also got a master’s and a doctorate degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Dr. Ismail has a broad background in machine learning-based applications, hardware accelerators for machine learning, modeling and design techniques for reliable, low-power, and high-performance VLSI and FPGA systems, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Internet of Video Things (IoVT), digital video processing algorithms/architectures levels, and wireless and digital communication systems. Dr. Ismail has served as an NSF panel reviewer from 2019 – present. He served as a PI and Co-PI of over twelve (17) funded grants from NSF, State, and international fund agencies. Dr. Ismail participated in organizing several STEM programs and activities for undergraduate and K-12 students at the College of Sciences and Engineering and high schools.
Yasser Ismail Southern University and A&M College [biography]

Dr. Yasser Ismail is an Associate Professor in the Electrical Engineering Department at Southern University and A&M College (SU). Dr. Ismail has over twenty (20) years of professional experience in teaching and research. With a focus on Electronics and Electrical Communication, he holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Mansoura University in Egypt. He also got a master’s and a doctorate degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Dr. Ismail has a broad background in machine learning-based applications, hardware accelerators for machine learning, modeling and design techniques for reliable, low-power, and high-performance VLSI and FPGA systems, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Internet of Video Things (IoVT), digital video processing algorithms/architectures levels, and wireless and digital communication systems. Dr. Ismail has served as an NSF panel reviewer from 2019 – present. He served as a PI and Co-PI of over twelve (17) funded grants from NSF, State, and international fund agencies. Dr. Ismail participated in organizing several STEM programs and activities for undergraduate and K-12 students at the College of Sciences and Engineering and high schools.
Yasser Ismail Southern University and A&M College [biography]

Dr. Yasser Ismail is an Associate Professor in the Electrical Engineering Department at Southern University and A&M College (SU). Dr. Ismail has over twenty (20) years of professional experience in teaching and research. With a focus on Electronics and Electrical Communication, he holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Mansoura University in Egypt. He also got a master’s and a doctorate degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Dr. Ismail has a broad background in machine learning-based applications, hardware accelerators for machine learning, modeling and design techniques for reliable, low-power, and high-performance VLSI and FPGA systems, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Internet of Video Things (IoVT), digital video processing algorithms/architectures levels, and wireless and digital communication systems. Dr. Ismail has served as an NSF panel reviewer from 2019 – present. He served as a PI and Co-PI of over twelve (17) funded grants from NSF, State, and international fund agencies. Dr. Ismail participated in organizing several STEM programs and activities for undergraduate and K-12 students at the College of Sciences and Engineering and high schools.
Fareed Dawan Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College [biography]

Dr. Fareed Dawan received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana State University (LSU) in 2014. In 2006, he earned his Masters of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from Southern University (SUBR), and his Bachelors in Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 2002 from LSU. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at SUBR where he teaches Freshman Engineering and Mechanical Engineering courses, namely Materials Science and Engineering, Statics and Dynamics, and Materials Characterization. Dr. Dawan’s expertise is in micro and nanofabrication of materials and his research involves advanced manufacturing of multi-functional composites for application in energy, aerospace, and personal healthcare. Patent-pending proprietary technology derived from his research includes a nanotube enhanced 3D solar cell, and a 3D-printable carbonated polymer. He is currently the Director of the US Department of Energy-funded Energizing Minds through Advanced Clean Energy Education (EMACE) Inspires and Partnership programs and an Air Force Office of Scientific Research-funded project investigating rapid 3D antenna manufacturing. Additionally, he serves as a Co-PI on several grants including two multimillion-dollar NSF-funded projects. Within 5 years he has secured over $1.2 million in STEM grants. Prior to his professorship appointment, Dr. Dawan served as the Assistant Director of the NSF-funded NextGenC3 CREST Phase I project and further beyond this, he was a research associate in the Microfabrication Group at LSU’s J. Bennett Johnston’s Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices (CAMD). There he served as a manager of a class 100 clean room facility and as a process engineer for standard photolithography processing and for high-aspect ratio microstructures technology (HARMST) using UV, X-ray, and e-beam lithography, and LIGA. Dr. Dawan, an Honored Listee in the 2023 Marquis Who’s Who in America, has received several awards for his research, is published in leading journals, is a TEDx Speaker, and has presented his work nationally and internationally.
Dr. Albertha Hilton Lawson http://orcid.org/https://0000-0001-8881-6933 Southern University and A&M College [biography]

Albertha H. Lawson currently serves as Professor and Interim Chair of the Graduate School at Southern University and A&M College (SU). Previously, she served as the Professor and Chair of the Science and Mathematics Education Doctoral (SMED) Program at the University. Dr. Lawson has over 30 years of professional experience at the Louisiana State University System, Louisiana Community and Technical College System, SU and Corporate America combined in the areas of actuarial science, higher education administration, teaching, institutional research, mathematical and statistical analysis. She has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina, Masters of Applied Statistics from the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio and a PhD in Education Administration and Research from the University of New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana.
brian Warren Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025

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