Student experiences of virtual reality - a case study in learning special relativity

TL;DR

This study investigates how virtual reality can enhance student understanding of special relativity by providing immersive experiences, leading to improved conceptual grasp and exam performance.

Contribution

It introduces a VR-based educational tool for special relativity and evaluates its effectiveness through a mixed methods study at two universities.

Findings

Students found VR to be a positive learning experience.

Students described relativity as less abstract after VR use.

Measurable improvement in final exam scores.

Abstract

We present a study of student learning through the use of virtual reality. A software package is used to introduce concepts of special relativity to students in a game-like environment where users experience the effects of travelling at near light speeds. From this new perspective, space and time are significantly different to that experienced in everyday life. The study explores how students have worked with this environment and how these students have used this experience in their study of special relativity. A mixed method approach has been taken to evaluate the outcomes of separate implementations of the package at two universities. Students found the simulation to be a positive learning experience and described the subject area as being less abstract after its use. Also, students were more capable of correctly answering concept questions relating to special relativity, and a small but measurable improvement was observed in the final exam.