Virtual reality (VR) has increasingly become a popular tool in education and is often compared with traditional teaching methods for its potential to improve learning experiences. However, VR itself holds a wide range of experiences and immersion levels within, from less interactive environments to fully interactive, immersive systems. This study explores the impact of different levels of immersion and interaction within VR on learning outcomes. The project, titled Eureka, focuses on teaching the froth flotation process in mining by comparing two VR modalities: a low-interaction environment that presents information through text and visuals without user engagement, and an immersive, high-interaction environment where users can actively engage with the content. The purpose of this research is to investigate how these varying degrees of immersion affect user performance, engagement, and learning outcomes. The results of a user study involving 12 participants revealed that the high-interaction modality significantly improved task efficiency, with participants completing tasks faster than those of the low-interaction modality. Both modalities were similarly effective in conveying knowledge, as evidenced by comparable assessment scores. However, qualitative feedback highlighted design considerations, such as diverse user preferences for navigation and instructional methods. These findings suggest that, while interactive immersion can improve efficiency, effective VR educational tools must accommodate diverse learning styles and needs. Future work will focus on scaling participant diversity and refining VR design features.
Virtual Reality (VR) technology has experienced remarkable growth, steadily establishing itself within mainstream consumer markets. This rapid expansion presents exciting opportunities for innovation and application across various fields, from entertainment to education and beyond. However, it also underscores a pressing need for more comprehensive research into user interfaces and human-computer interaction within VR environments. Understanding how users engage with VR systems and how their experiences can be optimized is crucial for further advancing the field and unlocking its full potential. This project introduces ScryVR, an innovative infrastructure designed to simplify and accelerate the development, implementation, and management of user studies in VR. By providing researchers with a robust framework for conducting studies, ScryVR aims to reduce the technical barriers often associated with VR research, such as complex data collection, hardware compatibility, and system integration challenges. Its goal is to empower researchers to focus more on study design and analysis, minimizing the time spent troubleshooting technical issues. By addressing these challenges, ScryVR has the potential to become a pivotal tool for advancing VR research methodologies. Its continued refinement will enable researchers to conduct more reliable and scalable studies, leading to deeper insights into user behavior and interaction within virtual environments. This, in turn, will drive the development of more immersive, intuitive, and impactful VR experiences.