Virtual Environments in Higher Education – Immersion as a Key Construct for Learning 4.0

Authors

  • Daniela Janssen IMA/ZLW at RWTH Aachen University
  • Christian Tummel IMA/ZLW at RWTH Aachen University
  • Anja Richert IMA/ZLW at RWTH Aachen University
  • Ingrid Isenhardt IMA/ZLW at RWTH Aachen University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijac.v9i2.6000

Keywords:

immersive learning, immersion, user experience, virtual learn-ing environment, virtual reality

Abstract


In light of the increasing technological developments, working life and education is changing and becoming more complex, interconnected and digital. These changed circumstances require new and modified competences of future employees. Education has to respond to the changing requirements in working life. To prepare for this, a technological-oriented teaching and learning process as well as gaining practical experience is crucial for students. In this context, Virtual Reality (VR) technologies provide new opportunities for practical experience in higher education, where they can further intensify the students learning experiences to a more immersive and engaging involvement in the learning process. To evaluate the potential of immersive virtual learning environments (VLE) for higher education and to understand more deeply which kind of experiences students gain while learning in immersive virtual environments (VE) an experimental research study is carried out. The paper describes education in light of industry 4.0 first and gives an overall view of immersive learning and the role of VR Technologies. Then the user study to measure user experience (UX) in immersive VLE is presented. Preliminary results are outlined and discussed with a view of further research.

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Published

2016-08-30

How to Cite

Janssen, D., Tummel, C., Richert, A., & Isenhardt, I. (2016). Virtual Environments in Higher Education – Immersion as a Key Construct for Learning 4.0. International Journal of Advanced Corporate Learning (iJAC), 9(2), pp. 20–26. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijac.v9i2.6000

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Section

Papers