An interactive virtual reality physics instructional environment based on Vygotskian Educational Theory

Abstract

Physics Education is a popular application for Virtual Reality (VR), with many simulations being available for students to manipulate objects in virtual space. However, most of these applications take a Piagetian approach to learning, instructing first in a traditional way and then exposing students to VR in a sandbox environment without the instructor present. This paper proposes a design for a VR physics simulation that takes a Vygotskian approach using Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and scaffolding to teaching physics, allowing the students and instructor to collaborate in virtual space. Using gravity and circular motion as a case study, this paper discusses a design to facilitate this learning comprising a virtual universe with control of planet placement and size, external satellite placement and size, as well as gravitational forces acting on these objects, along with a design-based research (DBR) research design to evaluate both usability and learning for the intervention.