Virtual Reality (VR) has gained traction in the area of education as it is a fairly new technology that can facilitate many exciting and unique educational experiences. It provides computer-simulated 3-dimensional environments that students can explore and interact with (Lau et al., 2015). MEL VR has a focus on Science and provides students opportunities to participate in demonstrations, explorative activities and quizzes (MEL VR Science Simulations, n.d.). MEL VR can be used with a VR headset and controllers or a cardboard headset and smartphone, making it more accessible to more people.
FOSTERING CREATIVITY:
MEL VR and many other VR programs have been found to greatly benefit students in the classroom, particularly in creativity and innovation (Lau et al., 2015; Thornhill-Miller & Dupont, 2016). This is because they provide immersive and interactive environments where you are not limited by constraints of the real world (Lau et al., 2015; Thornhill-Miller & Dupont, 2016). These unusual environmental simulations motivate students to explore new ideas and solutions (Lau et al. 2015), stimulating inner creativity (Rong, Lian & Tan, 2022). The use of VR similarly enhances creativity through providing opportunities for students to problem-solve and interact with and within the simulation (Thornhill-Miller & Dupont, 2016).
An example of this is in MEL VR is the ability to view the behaviours of atoms (see image below) and be able to view their different structures, close-up and first-hand. This kind of exploration provides an invaluable immersive experience as it would not be possible without VR.
Screenshot of experience using MEL VR
PEDAGOGICAL ISSUES:
It is important to recognise that the use of VR does not automatically improve learning (Lau et al., 2015) it needs to be used purposefully and with other educational strategies. Whilst MEL VR is fairly easy to navigate, It took time to adjust and effectively use the program as I have had little experience with VR. This is important to keep in mind, particularly for younger students as the use of VR could intensify their cognitive load.
MEL VR should be used to enhance science learning and not to replace real-life experiences students will have in science which are just as important.
Video is a screen recording of my experience with MEL VR. Please note that it does not convey full immersive experience as it was viewed with a VR headset.
REFERENCES:
Lau, K. W., & Lee, P. Y. (2015). The use of virtual reality for creating unusual environmental stimulation to motivate students to explore creative ideas. Interactive Learning Environments, 23(1), 3-18.
Thornhill-Miller, B., & Dupont, J. M. (2016). Virtual reality and the enhancement of creativity and innovation: Under recognized potential among converging technologies?. Journal of Cognitive Education and Psychology, 15(1), 102-121.
Rong, Lian, Q., & Tang, T. (2022). Research on the Influence of AI and VR Technology for Students’ Concentration and Creativity. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 767689–767689. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.767689
MEL VR Science Simulations. (n.d.). MEL Science. Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://melscience.com/AU-en/vr/
Hi Erin,
Really loved your blog. First of all really loved how many references you used, really shows you did your research when writing this post. I love you how in the intro you start off talking about Virtual Reality in general and then go into your chosen technology after, it gives the readers more perspective which is great. I also loved the videos and photos you included showing the technology and how it works, it was really interesting to watch and makes me more intrigued to potentially use it in my own classroom one day. Overall really enjoyed reading this blog post.
Shira Charif
Hi Erin,
Great blog post! I love your clear explanation on what MEL VR is and how it can benefit students and fosters creativity. MEL VR does provide and immersive experience for students to problem solve and interact, which I feel like is based on Beghetto and Kaufman (2013)'s mini-c and litle-c creativity, however will students experience Pro-C level of creativity using MEL VR? For example are students able to create their own VR, then experience it with MEL VR?
I certainly agree with your pedagogical concerns on how VR should not replace student's real life experience on science. However based on your video, MEL VR offers immersive experiences on experiences that are not achievable in real life, we can't…