The effects of virtual reality on learning : does the new educational apparatus enhance spatial ability and map reading skills?

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR)-based instruction has been widespread in the field of education. This form of instruction is one of the supplementary teaching aids that helps to promote the understanding of knowledge among students and teachers. The objectives of this study are to examine the learning effectiveness of a VR instructional treatment (VR mode) compared with a conventional text and image treatment (non-VR mode) in terms of spatial ability, and to investigate the interaction effect between the learners’ spatial ability and the treatment mode regarding map-reading performance. The current study recruited 127 senior secondary students to participate in the study. The results indicate that participants in the VR instruction group perform better in the map- reading exercise. There were no differences in the performance changed for the individuals with either low or high spatial ability. The results suggest that VR technology is an effective learning instrument.