Examining Adults' Enjoyment, Challenges, and Cognitive Load in Informal Learning with High-Immersion Virtual Reality

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Examining Adults' Enjoyment, Challenges, and Cognitive Load in Informal Learning with High-Immersion Virtual Reality
Language: English
Authors: Yunjo An (ORCID 0000-0002-2763-1297), Regina Kaplan-Rakowski
Source: TechTrends: Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning. 2024 68(6):1118-1128.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 11
Publication Date: 2024
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Descriptors: Informal Education, Computer Simulation, Experiential Learning, Adults, Positive Attitudes, Cognitive Processes, Difficulty Level, Adult Learning, Learning Processes, Scaffolding (Teaching Technique)
DOI: 10.1007/s11528-024-00999-2
ISSN: 8756-3894
1559-7075
Abstract: Most research on virtual reality (VR) for learning has focused on young populations in formal learning contexts. Little research has been conducted on how adults engage in informal learning using VR. This study examined adults' informal learning experiences in high-immersion VR, focusing on the aspects of VR they enjoyed and the challenges they encountered. Furthermore, the study investigated how external, hard scaffolding influenced the participants' cognitive load and learning in VR. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from pre- and post-surveys and post-intervention interviews. Participants found the storytelling aspect of the VR experience particularly enjoyable. They encountered several unique challenges during the VR intervention, including navigation confusion and self-directed exploration without instructor guidance. Surprisingly, the scaffolding did not have a statistically significant impact on the participants' cognitive load and learning. However, qualitative data analysis provided new insights that explain the unexpected findings.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: EJ1450900
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:Most research on virtual reality (VR) for learning has focused on young populations in formal learning contexts. Little research has been conducted on how adults engage in informal learning using VR. This study examined adults' informal learning experiences in high-immersion VR, focusing on the aspects of VR they enjoyed and the challenges they encountered. Furthermore, the study investigated how external, hard scaffolding influenced the participants' cognitive load and learning in VR. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from pre- and post-surveys and post-intervention interviews. Participants found the storytelling aspect of the VR experience particularly enjoyable. They encountered several unique challenges during the VR intervention, including navigation confusion and self-directed exploration without instructor guidance. Surprisingly, the scaffolding did not have a statistically significant impact on the participants' cognitive load and learning. However, qualitative data analysis provided new insights that explain the unexpected findings.
ISSN:8756-3894
1559-7075
DOI:10.1007/s11528-024-00999-2