Immersive Virtual Reality Education Application : Four Development Iterations along Design Science Research Methodology

Abstract

This study introduces a research and development process of an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) education application. Altogether four application development iterations are showcased along the Design Science Research methodology. The results show how initial problems change and new problems occur during the course of a long-term DSR project with multiple iterations. Moreover, the study results confirm various previous findings, for example, that VR works better on higher learning levels such as application -level and personalization is a way to achieve this. In addition, 360 photos and videos were found to be easy and cost-efficient ways to increase personalization of VR applications. The results also suggest complementary and parallel use of online courses and VR applications in order to enable scalability. We also found positive learning experiences, interactions, and teacher image to be achieved with VR especially among small tech-savvy group of students. However, personalized learning paths and positive learning results are the preconditions for upbeat learning experiences.