Developing student codesigned immersive virtual reality simulations for teaching of challenging concepts in molecular and cellular biology

Abstract

Molecular biology theory represents a critical scaffold which underpins multiple disciplines within life sciences education. However, it is well documented that undergraduate students can struggle to achieve deeper understanding of key concepts and/or their application. One challenging, contributory aspect is the “invisible” nature of molecular biology processes compounded by critical three-dimensional spatial orientations of the principal components and their interactions. Molecular theory specifically requires students to construct accurate, mental spatial models to develop their understanding. However much of the traditional teaching and examination of such theory is limited to two-dimensional representations. Technology-enhanced, complementary teaching and examination approaches, which engage students with spatial aspects of theoretical concepts, offer an exciting opportunity to support student learning in this area. In this study we have explored the integration of an immersive virtual reality simulation based on a challenging molecular biology concept within an existing module taught at University College Cork. A mixed methods approach, grounded in learning theory, was undertaken to assess the student user and learning experience. The consensus response from students was one of enhanced learning, understanding, engagement, and motivation. Student partnership in the process of simulation design and integration was key to delivering the fully integrated experience.

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Design and application of virtual simulation teaching platform for intelligent manufacturing

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“…1 , 4 , 9 , 25 Chemistry & Chemical Basic chemistry experiments, Gas absorption experiments, Chemistry volumetric experiments, etc Ref. 2 , 8 , 11 , 13 , 17 , 28 Biomedicine and Psychology Mental processing and cognition simulation experiments, Earthquakes feeling experiments, Clinical decision-making experiments, Molecular biology experiments, etc Ref. 3 , 5 – 7 , 10 , 18 Electronic & Informatics Ball-on-beam experiments, Electronic circuit experiments, Safe electricity experiments, Arduino board experiments, etc Ref.…”