Verification of the possibility and effectiveness of experiential learning using HMD-based immersive VR technologies

This paper examines the possibility of experiential learning in a virtual space using head-mounted-display-based immersive virtual reality (VR) technologies. Experiential learning refers to learning through direct experiences in the context of learning. Realistically, experiential learning is impossible in most cases, but VR technologies allowing direct interaction with virtual environments and objects are being developed and commercialized. These technologies are predicted to enhance vividness, interactivity, presence, flow, and experientiality, and increase the expectations of the possibility of experiential learning using VR. Thus, in this study, an experiment was conducted to verify such possibility. The analysis of the experiment results showed that the tactile interactivity and presence improved with the use of enhanced interaction technologies in VR, and in terms of experientiality, the experiment participants became highly aware of the “exploratory stage,” referring to the level of experience of being exposed to an interesting site and directly touching an object in the currently enhanced VR in providing direct tactile and locomotive interactivity. Furthermore, the fact that the learning effect is also partially enhanced was discovered. Accordingly, it was determined that experiential learning using VR is possible based on the experiment results, which showed that the enhanced vividness and interactivity of VR technologies allow the users to closely recognize virtual experiences as direct experiences, and that the learning effect is enhanced. It was also determined that experiential learning in a virtual environment that is identical to an experience in reality would be made possible in the near future based on continued technological development.