Virtual Reality Immersive Simulations for a Forensic Molecular Biology Course—A Quantitative Comparative Study
Source abstract
Abstract
Molecular biology is a complex, abstract, subject that can be challenging for higher education students to comprehend. The current manuscript describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of two immersive VR simulations of a DNA lab and a crime scene investigation (CSI) for a forensic molecular biology course in the context of the “TESLA” Erasmus+ project. It illustrates the instructional design and technical aspects of the VR simulations’ development. The experimental study employed a comparative quantitative research design. The guiding research questions examined how instructional modalities (online vs. face-to-face) affect learners’ perceptions of VR-based training in higher education and the key factors influencing learners’ intention for their adoption. Forty-six (n = 46) undergraduate students completed a 17-item questionnaire, which served as the main data collection instrument. Results demonstrate that both online and face-to-face VR-based instruction can effectively convey core concepts, thus challenging the traditional notion that face-to-face interaction is inherently superior. Its implications underscore the potential of VR simulations to supplement or even substitute traditional teaching methods, particularly for complex science subjects.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts · Simulation-Based Education in Healthcare
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Computer Science Department, Arab American University, Jenin P.O. Box 240, Palestine
School of Natural Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece
Department of Forensic Science, Al Istiqlal University, Jericho P.O. Box 10, Palestine
Department of International Learning, Al Quds Open University, Ramallah P.O. Box 1804, Palestine
Turku Research Institute for Learning Analytics, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Arab American University, Jenin P.O. Box 240, Palestine
Department of Management Information System, Al Istiqlal University, Jericho P.O. Box 10, Palestine
Department of Computer Engineering & Informatics, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece
Funding
European Commission
References (48)
Show source-provided references
1. Educational Challenges of Molecular Life Science: Characteristics and Implications for Education and Research10.1187/cbe.08-09-0055 ↗
2. Aikens, M.L. (2020). Meeting the Needs of A Changing Landscape: Advances and Challenges in Undergraduate Biology Education. Bull. Math. Biol., 82.10.1007/s11538-020-00739-6 ↗
3. Geroimenko, V. (2024). Designing Simulations in the Metaverse: A Blueprint for Experiential Immersive Learning Experiences. Augmented and Virtual Reality in the Metaverse, Springer Nature.10.1007/978-3-031-57746-8 ↗
4. Teaching an Aerospace Engineering Design Course via Virtual Worlds: A Comparative Assessment of Learning Outcomes10.1016/j.compedu.2012.07.012 ↗
5. Effects of Using Immersive Virtual Reality for Science Education on Learning Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study10.1109/TLT.2023.3263587 ↗
6. Antonopoulos, P., Fokides, E., and Koutromanos, G. (2024). Understanding Learning and Learning Experience in Immersive Virtual Reality. Technol. Knowl. Learn., 1–30.10.1007/s10758-024-09764-z ↗
7. Immersive Virtual Reality as a Pedagogical Tool in Education: A Systematic Literature Review of Quantitative Learning Outcomes and Experimental Design10.1007/s40692-020-00169-2 ↗
8. Hadjipanayi, C., Christofi, M., Banakou, D., and Michael-Grigoriou, D. (2024). Cultivating Empathy through Narratives in Virtual Reality: A Review. Pers. Ubiquitous Comput., 1–13.10.1007/s00779-024-01812-w ↗
9. What Is the Relationship between the Sense of Presence and Learning in Virtual Reality? A 24-Year Systematic Literature Review10.1162/pres_a_00350 ↗
10. Marougkas, A., Troussas, C., Krouska, A., and Sgouropoulou, C. (2023). Virtual Reality in Education: A Review of Learning Theories, Approaches and Methodologies for the Last Decade. Electronics, 12.10.3390/electronics12132832 ↗
11. van der Meer, N., van der Werf, V., Brinkman, W.-P., and Specht, M. (2023). Virtual Reality and Collaborative Learning: A Systematic Literature Review. Front. Virtual Real., 4.10.3389/frvir.2023.1159905 ↗
12. Lee, J., and Kim, Y. (2023). Sustainable Educational Metaverse Content and System Based on Deep Learning for Enhancing Learner Immersion. Sustainability, 15.10.3390/su151612663 ↗
13. Virtual Reality Adoption during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Uses and Gratifications Perspective10.1016/j.tele.2021.101728 ↗
14. Virtual Environments in Biology Teaching10.1080/00219266.2003.9655879 ↗
15. Reen, F.J., Jump, O., McSharry, B.P., Morgan, J., Murphy, D., O’Leary, N., O’Mahony, B., Scallan, M., and Supple, B. (2021). The Use of Virtual Reality in the Teaching of Challenging Concepts in Virology, Cell Culture and Molecular Biology. Front. Virtual Real., 2.10.3389/frvir.2021.670909 ↗
16. Virtual Reality for Teaching and Learning in Crime Scene Investigation10.1016/j.scijus.2020.07.006 ↗
17. Manescu (Paltanea), V., Popovici, D., Nemoianu, I.V., Paltanea, G., and Dumitrana, B. (2021, January 8–9). Virtual Reality in Forensic Scenario Used in Higher Education Institutions in Palestine. Proceedings of the INTED2021 Proceedings, Online.10.21125/inted.2021.0287 ↗
18. Using Virtual Reality as Support to the Learning Process of Forensic Scenarios10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3196471 ↗
19. Ewais, A., Maree, M., De Troyer, O., and Kharraz, B. (2017, January 28–29). Audio and Video Adaptation inside 3D Virtual Learning Environments. Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on eLearning, Belgrade, Serbia.
20. Balancing Technology, Pedagogy and the New Normal: Post-Pandemic Challenges for Higher Education10.1007/s42438-021-00249-1 ↗
21. Need Analysis for Higher Educational Institutions for Using Virtual Reality-TESLA Project10.3991/ijet.v17i22.34355 ↗
22. Fragkaki, M., Mystakidis, S., Hatzilygeroudis, I., Kovas, K., Palkova, Z., Salah, Z., Hamed, G., Khalilia, W.M., and Ewais, A. (2020, January 6–7). TPACK Instructional Design Model in Virtual Reality for Deeper Learning in Science and Higher Education: From “Apathy” to “Empathy”. Proceedings of the 12th Annual International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies (EDULEARN20), Online.10.21125/edulearn.2020.0943 ↗
23. Weidlich, J., and Kalz, M. (2023). How Well Does Teacher Education Prepare for Teaching with Technology? A TPACK-Based Investigation at a University of Education. Eur. J. Teach. Educ., 1–21.10.1080/02619768.2023.2243645 ↗
24. Collaborative Agile Learning in Online Environments: Strategies for Improving Team Regulation and Project Management10.1016/j.compedu.2017.09.008 ↗
25. Myers, J.L., Well, A.D., and Lorch, R.F. (2013). Research Design and Statistical Analysis, Routledge.10.4324/9780203726631 ↗
26. Thompson, B. (2004). Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis: Understanding Concepts and Applications, American Psychological Association.10.1037/10694-000 ↗
27. Brooks, E., Kalsgaard Møller, A., and Edstrand, E. (2023, January 6–7). Instructional Design Model for Virtual Reality: Testing and Participant Experience Evaluation. Proceedings of the Design, Learning, and Innovation, 8th EAI International Conference, DLI 2023, Aalborg, Denmark.10.1007/978-3-031-67307-8 ↗
28. Liu, D., Huang, R., Hosny Saleh Metwally, A., Tlili, A., and Fan Lin, E. (2024). Immersive Learning Design in the Metaverse: A Theoretical Literature Review Synthesis. Application of the Metaverse in Education, Springer.10.1007/978-981-97-1298-4 ↗
29. Making Sense of Cronbach’s Alpha10.5116/ijme.4dfb.8dfd ↗
30. Price, P.C., Jhangiani, R., Chiang, I.-C.A., Leighton, D.C., and Cuttler, C. (2012). Conducting Your Analyses. Research Methods in Psychology, American Psychological Association.
31. Chiang, C.L. (2003). Statistical Methods of Analysis, World Scientific.10.1142/5224 ↗
32. Career Resilience of Female Professionals in the Male-dominated IT Industry in Sweden: Toward a Process Perspective10.1111/gwao.12671 ↗
33. Delamarre, A., Lisetti, C., and Buche, C. (October, January 29). A Cross-Platform Classroom Training Simulator: Interaction Design and Evaluation. Proceedings of the 2020 International Conference on Cyberworlds (CW), Caen, France.
34. Joshi, A., Mousas, C., Harrell, D.F., and Kao, D. (2022, January 5–8). Exploring the Influence of Demographic Factors on Progression and Playtime in Educational Games. Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games, Athens, Greece.10.1145/3555858.3555873 ↗
35. Gherheș, V., Stoian, C.E., Fărcașiu, M.A., and Stanici, M. (2021). E-Learning vs. Face-To-Face Learning: Analyzing Students’ Preferences and Behaviors. Sustainability, 13.10.3390/su13084381 ↗
36. A Scoping Review of the Educational Uses of 6DoF HMDs10.1007/s10055-021-00556-9 ↗
37. Online University Education Is the New Normal: But Is Face-to-Face Better?10.1108/ITSE-08-2020-0181 ↗
38. Meta-Analysis of STEM Learning Using Virtual Reality: Benefits Across the Board10.1007/s10956-023-10032-5 ↗
39. Fostering Complex Professional Skills with Interactive Simulation Technology: A Virtual Reality-based Flipped Learning Approach10.1111/bjet.13268 ↗
40. Gim, G., Bae, H.K., and Kang, S.A. (2022, January 4–6). The Effect of Self-Determination and Quality of VR-Based Education in the Metaverse on Learner Satisfaction. Proceedings of the 1st ACIS International Symposium on Emotional Artificial Intelligence and Metaverse, EAIM 2022, Danang, Vietnam.10.1007/978-3-031-16485-9_4 ↗
41. Motivational and Cognitive Benefits of Training in Immersive Virtual Reality Based on Multiple Assessments10.1111/jcal.12375 ↗
42. Røe, Y., Wojniusz, S., and Bjerke, A.H. (2022). The Digital Transformation of Higher Education Teaching: Four Pedagogical Prescriptions to Move Active Learning Pedagogy Forward. Front. Educ., 6.10.3389/feduc.2021.784701 ↗
43. Immersive Virtual Reality as a Tool to Learn Problem-Solving Skills10.1016/j.compedu.2020.104121 ↗
44. Feng, Q., Luo, H., Li, Z., Liang, J., Li, G., and Yi, Y. (2024). Creating an Immersive Virtual Reality Game Space for Multiuser, Synchronous Co-Located Collaboration: Design Considerations and Influencing Factors. Appl. Sci., 14.10.20944/preprints202402.0441.v1 ↗
45. Han, E., and Bailenson, J.N. (2024). Social Interaction in VR. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Communication, Oxford University Press.10.1093/acrefore/9780190228613.013.1489 ↗
46. Instructor Presence in a Virtual Classroom10.1515/edu-2020-0146 ↗
47. EcoXPT: Designing for Deeper Learning through Experimentation in an Immersive Virtual Ecosystem
48. Petersen, G., Mottelson, A., and Makransky, G. (2021, January 8–13). Pedagogical Agents in Educational VR: An in the Wild Study. Proceedings of the Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI ’21), Yokohama, Japan.10.1145/3411764.3445760 ↗