Learning in virtual space: an intergenerational pilot project

Abstract

Introduction: More and more educational institutions are discovering the advantages of settings for digital teaching and learning and the technology of virtual reality (VR). This also holds true for the BZ Pflege in the field of continuing education with age-heterogeneous groups of participants. The question arises whether baby-boomers and X and Y generation learners accept, understand and perceive the digital form of learning with VR glasses as beneficial for their learning.Project description: A course has been developed with the goal of teaching the anatomy of the heart by immersive visualisation. A questionnaire was used to determine how the use of VR glasses influenced participants` learning, acceptance, understanding and cognitive load.Results: The participants reacted positively to the VR technology. The new learning technology did not lead to cognitive overload. Participants indicated that they were able to link new knowledge with already existing knowledge. They also found the VR glasses easy to use.Conclusion: From the perspective of participants and project management alike, it can be said that age- heterogeneous groups present no obstacle for new innovative teaching methods, such as the use of VR glasses.

Keywords

• virtual reality
• generations
• learning