Thesis Abstract

The abstract for the thesis titled "Using Virtual Reality to Enhance Student Engagement and Learning in High School Science Classes" explores the potential benefits of integrating virtual reality (VR) technology into high school science education. This study aims to investigate how VR can be utilized to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes in science classrooms. The research methodology involves a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and classroom observations to gather data on student perceptions and academic performance when using VR technology. Chapter one provides an introduction to the study, outlining the background, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, and structure of the thesis. Chapter two presents a comprehensive literature review on ten key aspects related to VR technology in education, including its impact on student engagement, learning outcomes, and teacher perceptions. Chapter three details the research methodology, including the research design, participant selection, data collection methods, and data analysis procedures. This chapter also discusses ethical considerations and limitations of the study. Chapter four presents the findings of the research, analyzing the data collected through surveys, interviews, and classroom observations. The discussion focuses on how VR technology influences student engagement, motivation, and academic achievement in science classes. Finally, chapter five offers a conclusion and summary of the thesis, highlighting the key findings, implications for practice, and recommendations for future research. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on the integration of VR technology in education and provides valuable insights into its potential to enhance student engagement and learning in high school science classes.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Using Virtual Reality to Enhance Student Engagement and Learning in High School Science Classes" aims to explore the potential of virtual reality (VR) technology in transforming the teaching and learning experience in high school science classes. Virtual reality offers an immersive and interactive environment that can significantly enhance student engagement and understanding of complex scientific concepts. By utilizing VR technology, students can visualize abstract scientific ideas, conduct virtual experiments, and explore phenomena that are otherwise difficult to demonstrate in a traditional classroom setting. The research will begin with a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the use of VR in education, focusing specifically on its applications in science teaching and learning. This literature review will highlight the benefits and challenges associated with integrating VR technology into the high school science curriculum, as well as the impact of VR on student engagement, motivation, and academic achievement. The methodology chapter will outline the research design and approach, detailing the procedures for implementing VR-based activities in high school science classes. The study will involve designing and developing VR simulations that align with the science curriculum, as well as conducting classroom observations, interviews, and surveys to gather data on student experiences and perceptions of using VR technology. The findings chapter will present the results of the research, including an analysis of student engagement levels, learning outcomes, and attitudes towards VR-enhanced science lessons. The discussion will explore the implications of the findings for science education practice and policy, as well as recommendations for future research and implementation of VR technology in high school classrooms. In conclusion, this project aims to demonstrate the potential of virtual reality as a powerful tool for enhancing student engagement and learning in high school science classes. By providing students with immersive and interactive learning experiences, VR technology has the potential to transform science education and inspire a new generation of scientifically literate and curious learners.