Szabo, J. J. (2021). Engaging learners with virtual pedagogy: Virtual reality adoption and the lived experiences of K-12 educators (Publication No. 28771272) [Doctoral dissertation, Drake University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Abstract:

“Virtual reality (VR) has been a technology used in training and learning largely outside of traditional school settings since its inception. In recent years, however, prices of consumer-grade head-mounted displays (HMDs) have become more affordable and the hardware more accessible for educators, and some teachers at the K-12 level have adopted the technology for use in or as their own classrooms. This study adds to the limited literature qualitative, phenomenological accounts of how educators at the K-12 level used VR in their classroom and the beliefs they hold about the benefits and barriers to adopting the technology. The TPACK model developed by Mishra & Kohler (2006) provided the framework by which the study was organized and data interpreted. An interview guide was developed to gather data during interviews with six participants. Data were analyzed and coded using in vivo coding and theming. Findings showcased that K-12 teachers employed several tactics when deploying VR in the classroom including having students as teachers of the technology and using VR applications/experiences with high interactivity or potential for creativity/problem solving. Additionally, findings indicated that the benefits of VR use in the K-12 setting included students learning transferrable skills and producing creative works, while the barriers of VR use in the K-12 setting include cost of deployment and privacy concerns.”