Author Information
Mari van Wyk, University of Pretoria, South AfricaLiz Wolvaardt, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Abstract
Lecturers of fully online qualifications face the challenge of designing activities that simulate real-life experiences for postgraduate students. Virtual reality has become increasingly popular in higher education since the exponential growth in technology and online education. The increasing demand for immersive, interactive learning environments drives this shift. This pilot study explored using a virtual reality platform called FrameVR in a research module to enhance student engagement and simulate the real-life experiences of designing a research protocol. This module was part of a fully online Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health. A virtual “Interview” environment was developed using the 7 Steps for Designing and Executing an Implementation Pilot Study, to explore the platform’s usability. Feedback was collected from 54 participants using an online survey comprising two components: a checklist with 14 items and an open-ended question. Responses were summarized as proportions and thematic analysis was applied to the open-ended responses. The findings revealed that most participants could interact with the platform's features, such as 360° images, Portable Document Formats (PDFs), a whiteboard, videos, and the integration with the learning management system. While some participants appreciated the game-like experience of the platform, others reported feeling unsure of what to do when navigating the environment. Three participants could not navigate the platform or complete the learning activities. The study identified three key areas for improvement: platform navigation, clarity of instructions, and device compatibility. Addressing these issues could improve the effectiveness of virtual reality platforms in creating engaging and authentic learning experiences for postgraduate students.
Paper Information
Conference: ACEID2025Stream: Innovation & Technology
This paper is part of the ACEID2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Wyk M., & Wolvaardt L. (2025) No Sirens: A Student Perspective on Using Virtual Reality in a Public Health Course ISSN: 2189-101X – The Asian Conference on Education & International Development 2025 Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 499-514) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2189-101X.2025.37
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2189-101X.2025.37
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