The potential of 360-degree virtual reality videos to teach water-safety skills to children

Autor: Therese Keane, Grace Strugnell, Paola Araiza-Alba, Bernadette Matthews, Kate Simpson, Won Sun Chen, Jordy Kaufman
Rok vydání: 2021
Předmět:
Zdroj: Computers & Education. 163:104096
ISSN: 0360-1315
DOI: 10.1016/j.compedu.2020.104096
Popis: This study investigated the potential of Virtual Reality (VR), using 360-degree (360°) videos, as a tool to teach children about water-safety skills. Children (n = 182) aged 10 to 12 years were randomly assigned to learn about water safety using one of three instructional mediums: 360° VR videos, traditional video, or poster. The training was designed to address specific themes that contributed to drowning in coastal environments, allowing children to learn about dangers of rip currents in a relatively safe environment. Overall, 95% showed improved knowledge of water safety after participating in the water-safety workshop and retained their knowledge during the subsequent tests both one and eight weeks later. No difference was found in the learning outcomes obtained across the three mediums; however, participants in the 360° VR medium reported higher levels of interest and enjoyment than participants using the other two mediums (91% of students in the 360° VR video group found the activity engaging versus 61% for traditional video and 51% for the poster). Teacher feedback also indicated that 360° VR videos are a useful, engaging, and effective method of learning. Overall, we found support for the hypothesis that 360° VR videos are a useful tool to teach targeted skills, and that using 360° VR videos is more motivating and engaging than using traditional learning methods. We also found evidence to support the hypothesis that 360° VR videos are an effective tool for self-directed learning.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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