Summaries of Research Papers
Chen, C. J., Toh, S. C., & Ismail, W. M. F. W. (2005). Are Learning Styles Relevant To Virtual Reality?. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 5191(2), 123–141. http://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2005.10782453
This article investigated the effects of different methods of using virtual reality on multiple learning styles. The authors focused on Kolb’s four types of learners and divided them into three groups. The groups were taught a beginning driver’s education lesson and use a guided VR experience, a non-guided VR experience, and a traditional lecture and reading experience. What they found is that the guided VR experience resulted in significant gains in learning for all types of learners. The non-guided VR and traditional experiences had no significant differences. Thus, in developing instructional material for VR experiences, using guides like navigational arrows and other aids will help combat cognitive overload and increase the likelihood of learning occurring.