Exploration of Student Interest and Performance with Oculus Rift Immersive Virtual Reality Learning Experiences in Comparison with Traditional Instructional Methods

Statement of Purpose and Method of Study: Oculus Rift immersive virtual reality includes a headset and a computer and immerses the user into a three-dimensional experience. Immersive virtual reality learning experiences with classroom discussions are emergent, novel instructional methods. This standard exploratory study investigated an instructional design that utilized traditional methods in comparison to an instructional design that integrated Oculus Rift immersive virtual reality learning experiences with classroom discussions to explore students' interest and performance. Do students' interest and performance when learning science concepts differ with the use of an instructional design that utilized traditional methods in comparison to an instructional design that integrated Oculus Rift immersive virtual reality learning experiences with classroom discussions? Are there differences in the levels of interest and performance between male and female students with an instructional design that utilized traditional methods in comparison to an instructional design that integrated Oculus Rift immersive virtual reality learning experiences with classroom discussions? Participants in the study include sixth-grade science students in two classes. The results of the study provide insight into students' interest and performance with the use of two instructional methods - Oculus Rift immersive virtual reality learning experiences with classroom discussions and traditional. Findings and Conclusion: This research on Oculus Rift immersive virtual reality learning experiences explored trends in interest and performance of the sixth-grade science classes. Based on focus group discussions, Oculus Rift immersive virtual reality learning experiences with classroom discussions showed trends of increased students' interest with both male and female students. Based on the results from the questionnaire about students' interest, the data was inconclusive due to the limited sample size. Based on the results from the unit assessments, the data was inconclusive due to the limited sample size. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]