2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This study aims to assess student cognitive engagement in a novel interactive virtual radiation detection and measurement lab developed for nuclear science and engineering education. As virtual labs become increasingly vital for delivering flexible and scalable technical training, this research aims to investigate how students interact with simulated radiation detection systems and with each other in the virtual environment and analyze real-time data to enhance learning outcomes.
Using the ICAP (Interactive, Constructive, Active, Passive) framework and thematic analysis, this work-in-progress study aims to evaluate different levels of engagement, focusing on how actively students construct knowledge and participate in meaningful learning processes. Data will be collected through surveys, student self-assessments, and interaction analytics to evaluate how students’ interactions with the virtual tools, each other, and their instructor relate to higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills.
While the research is ongoing, we anticipate the findings will provide valuable insights into optimizing virtual lab environments to promote deeper cognitive engagement, particularly in STEM education. These findings could impact future virtual laboratory designs and instructional strategies for complex technical subjects, such as radiation detection and measurement, and other related labs in nuclear science and engineering.