A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Virtual Reality Immersive Simulations for a Forensic Molecular Biology Course-A Quantitative Comparative Study
Authors: Ewais, Ahmed; Mystakidis, Stylianos; Khalilia, Walid; Diab, Shadi; Christopoulos, Athanasios; Khasib, Said; Yahya, Baha; Hatzilygeroudis, Ioannis
Publisher: MDPI
Publishing place: BASEL
Publication year: 2024
Journal: Applied Sciences
Journal name in source: APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
Journal acronym: APPL SCI-BASEL
Article number: 7513
Volume: 14
Issue: 17
Number of pages: 18
eISSN: 2076-3417
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app14177513
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.3390/app14177513
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/458830305
Self-archived copy's licence: CC BY
Self-archived copy's version: Publisher`s PDF
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.
Keywords:
digital education, molecular biology, Online learning
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Funding information in the publication:
This research was funded by the European Commission, grant number 585772-epp-1-2017-1ps-eppka2-cbhe-jp (project TESLA—Virtual Reality as an Innovative and Immersive Learning Tools for Higher Education Institutions in Palestine).
