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'I Haven't Worked with This Much Focus Before': Teaching Public Administration with Virtual Reality Scenarios

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Title: 'I Haven't Worked with This Much Focus Before': Teaching Public Administration with Virtual Reality Scenarios
Language: English
Authors: Pia Ende, Jens Weiss (ORCID 0000-0001-5749-314X)
Source: Teaching Public Administration. 2026 44(2):129-145.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Computer Simulation, Technology Uses in Education, Vignettes, Public Administration Education, Teaching Methods, Foreign Countries, Higher Education, Student Attitudes, Information Technology, Media Education, Electronic Learning
Geographic Terms: Germany
DOI: 10.1177/01447394261430628
ISSN: 0144-7394
Abstract: Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive, interactive environments for experience-based learning, yet its role in public administration (PA) education is understudied. We analysed data from a project that developed and tested three VR scenarios with students in information technology, PA, and media informatics. Overall, VR was rated more positively than a text-based e-learning module, largely because it strengthened learners' focus and satisfaction. PA students reported lower prior digital experience and weaker initial interest, and VR did not consistently increase topic interest among initially disengaged learners. Voluntary uptake of VR stations and apps also remained low. The findings suggest that VR for PA requires practice-relevant instructional design, improved accessibility (including home-compatible options), and tighter curricular integration. Future research should assess long-term learning effects and strategies to foster sustained adoption.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1507318
Database: ERIC
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  Data: 'I Haven't Worked with This Much Focus Before': Teaching Public Administration with Virtual Reality Scenarios
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Pia+Ende%22">Pia Ende</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Jens+Weiss%22">Jens Weiss</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5749-314X">0000-0001-5749-314X</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Teaching+Public+Administration%22"><i>Teaching Public Administration</i></searchLink>. 2026 44(2):129-145.
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  Data: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
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  Data: 10.1177/01447394261430628
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– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
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  Data: Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive, interactive environments for experience-based learning, yet its role in public administration (PA) education is understudied. We analysed data from a project that developed and tested three VR scenarios with students in information technology, PA, and media informatics. Overall, VR was rated more positively than a text-based e-learning module, largely because it strengthened learners' focus and satisfaction. PA students reported lower prior digital experience and weaker initial interest, and VR did not consistently increase topic interest among initially disengaged learners. Voluntary uptake of VR stations and apps also remained low. The findings suggest that VR for PA requires practice-relevant instructional design, improved accessibility (including home-compatible options), and tighter curricular integration. Future research should assess long-term learning effects and strategies to foster sustained adoption.
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  Data: EJ1507318
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        Value: 10.1177/01447394261430628
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      – Text: English
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        PageCount: 17
        StartPage: 129
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      – SubjectFull: Computer Simulation
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Technology Uses in Education
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      – SubjectFull: Vignettes
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      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
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      – SubjectFull: Student Attitudes
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      – SubjectFull: Information Technology
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      – SubjectFull: Media Education
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      – SubjectFull: Germany
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