Integrating and Assessing the Use of a “Makerspace” in a Russian Cultural Studies Course

Abstract

This article discusses the development of an immersive virtual reality (VR)- infused Makerspace for experiential learning. Students in an advanced-level Russian course used a Makerspace to complete a three-part project aimed at language and cultural learning through art and presentational speaking. Participants completed a survey about their experience at the end of the project, thus providing some data by which to assess its success. Students used Oculus Rift headsets to view 360-degree target-culture images and engaged in a handson sculpting activity that resulted in printing 3D models. Learners also used iPads for a painting activity, which was then compared with the VR sculpting task. The survey results showed that the Makerspace, and using VR in particular, was a success. Positive outcomes included facilitating task motivation, fostering speaking and artistic creativity, enabling deeper learning and focus on the task, assisting with cultural development, and enjoying learning by doing/making. Suggestions for future Makerspace projects in language labs are discussed.

3D Printing Technology based on the Development Model of Cultural and Creative Products on University Campuses

“…They emphasized the technology's potential in accurately restoring and replicating historical artifacts and architectural elements, offering new methods for conservation. Enkin, E. et al [6] and Berrett, B.E. et al [4] discussed the integration of 3D printing in educational settings, particularly emphasizing project-based learning and reality modeling of campus environments.…”

Teaching Lab-based Courses Remotely: Approaches, Technologies, Challenges, and Ethical Issues

“…Since it can simulate hi-fidelity engineering experiments in their authentic environments, VR has been used to improve the practical, hands-on learning component in engineering courses. Many subjects, including the sciences (Gupta & Gupta, 2012;Markowitz et al, 2018;Brown et al, 2020), languages (Enkin et al, 2021;Xie et al, 2019), chemistry (Abdinejad et al, 2020;Klingenberg et al, 2020), and mathematics (Cai et al, 2019), have yielded improved learning outcomes among students due to the use of VR.…”

“…Virtual Reality has also been applied in several fields of education, such as linguistics, as an alternative method for teaching languages. Enkin et al (2021) carried out a study in which an effective virtual reality linguistic learning lab was created to teach speaking skills in an advanced-level Russian language course. The findings revealed that utilizing VR to teach Russian increased student motivation, deep learning, focus, and creativity.…”