Impact of Virtual Reality Technology (VRT) on Chemistry Laboratory and Learning Outcomes of Chemistry Education Students in Nigerian Universities

Authors

  • Rosemary C. Ugonwa Department of Science Education, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria Author
  • Ijeoma J. Agbai Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria Author
  • Leo C. Osuji Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria Author

Keywords:

Virtual Reality, Technology, Chemistry, Laboratory

Abstract

This research investigates the impact of Virtual Reality Technology (VRT) on Chemistry Laboratory and Learning Outcomes of Chemistry Education Students in Nigerian Universities. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Lecturers of Science Education and Chemistry departments in public universities in Nigeria make up the population for the research. The sample for data collection comprises of the 30 Lecturers of Science Education and Pure and Industrial Chemistry Departments of the University of Port Harcourt and Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, which were selected using purposive sampling technique. The study was guided by three specific objectives, three research questions and three hypotheses. The instrument for data collection was a 4-point Likert scale structured questionnaire, captioned Virtual Reality Technology Chemistry Laboratory and Learning Outcomes Questionnaire (VRTCLLOQ). The reliability of the instrument was estimated to be +0.85 using Cronbach alpha method. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while t-test was used to analyze the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings from the study revealed that incorporation of VRT in Chemistry Laboratories makes the use of Laboratories very effective. Also, the use of the VRT in Chemistry Laboratory improves the learning outcomes of Chemistry Education students in public universities. There was a significant impact of the use of the VRT on the engagement of Chemistry Education Students in the University. It was recommended among others that public universities should employ the use of VRT in the chemistry Laboratories to enhance and promote effective learning and learning outcomes,

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

  • Leo C. Osuji, Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
    Uniport Foundation, Delta Park, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.  

References

[1] Macrothink Institute. (2023). Integrating virtual reality laboratories (VRLs) in chemistry education: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Education. Retrieved March 14, 2024, from http://ije.macrothink.org

[2] Dike, J. W., & Ugonwa, R. C. (2021). Practices of innovative technologies on the academic achievement of science students in Port Harcourt City secondary schools. Australian Journal of Arts and Scientific Research (AJASR), 26(1), 49–58.

[3] World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology (WASET). (2023). International conference on software testing.

[4] Jumaat, N., Tasir, Z., Halim, N., & Ashari, Z. (2017). Project-based learning from constructivism point of view. Advanced Science Letters, 23, 7904–7906.

[5] Brau, B. (2020). Constructivism. In United Nations peace operations and international relations theory. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781483375519.n148

[6] Jong, T. (2010). Cognitive load theory, educational research, and instructional design: Some food for thought. Instructional Science, 38, 105–134. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11251-009-9110-0

[7] Sweller, J. (2020). Cognitive load theory and educational technology. Educational Technology Research and Development, 68, 1–16.

[8] Shadiev, R., Wang, X., & Huang, Y. (2020). Promoting intercultural competence in a learning activity supported by virtual reality technology. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v21i3.4752

[9] Akdere, M., Acheson, K., & Jiang, Y. (2021). An examination of the effectiveness of virtual reality technology for intercultural competence development. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 82, 109–120.

[10] Gao, L., Wan, B., Liu, G., Xie, G., Huang, J., & Meng, G. (2021). Investigating the effectiveness of virtual reality for culture learning. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 37, 1771–1781.

[11] Ding, X., & Li, Z. (2022). A review of the application of virtual reality technology in higher education based on Web of Science literature data. Frontiers in Education, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.1048816

[12] Radianti, J., Majchrzak, T. A., Fromm, J., & Wohlgenannt, I. (2020). A systematic review of immersive virtual reality applications for higher education: Design elements, lessons learned, and research agenda. Computers & Education, 147, 103778. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2019.103778

[13] North, M., & North, S. (2016). Virtual reality therapy. In Virtual reality therapy (pp. 141–156). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-802075-3.00006-1

[14] Maples-Keller, J., Bunnell, B., Kim, S., & Rothbaum, B. (2017). The use of virtual reality technology in the treatment of anxiety and other psychiatric disorders. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 25, 103–113.

[15] Chirico, A., Lucidi, F., Laurentiis, M., Milanese, C., Napoli, A., & Giordano, A. (2016). Virtual reality in health system: Beyond entertainment—A mini-review on the efficacy of VR during cancer treatment. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 231. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcp.25117

[16] Son, J., Lee, S., Seok, J., Kee, B., Lee, H., Kim, H., Lee, T., & Han, D. (2015). Virtual reality therapy for the treatment of alcohol dependence: A preliminary investigation with PET/CT. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 76(4), 620–627.

[17] Osti, F., Amicis, R., Sanchez, C., Tilt, A., Prather, E., & Liverani, A. (2020). A VR training system for learning and skills development for construction workers. Virtual Reality, 25, 523–538.

[18] Nykänen, M., Puro, V., Tiikkaja, M., Kannisto, H., Lantto, E., Simpura, F., Uusitalo, J., Lukander, K., Räsänen, T., Heikkilä, T., & Teperi, A. (2020). Implementing and evaluating novel safety training methods for construction sector workers: Results of a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Safety Research, 75, 205–221.

[19] Zhang, Y., Stensrud, D., & Zhang, F. (2019). Simultaneous assimilation of radar and all-sky satellite infrared radiance observations for convection-allowing ensemble analysis and prediction of severe thunderstorms. Monthly Weather Review. https://doi.org/10.1175/mwr-d-19-0163.1

[20] Song-ping, Y. (2006). Application of VRT in sports technology simulation. China Sport Science.

[21] Aliyu, F., & Talib, C. (2019). Virtual reality technology. Asia Proceedings of Social Sciences. https://doi.org/10.31580/APSS.V4I3.856

[22] Mirza, I., Sasithong, P., Jearavingtakul, S., Sinpan, N., Le-aidee, P., Chaudhary, S., Wuttisittikulkij, L., Bajpai, A., Vanichchanunt, P., Wei, X., & Tang, X. (2022). Reconstruction of digital chemistry lab by incorporating virtual reality platform. 37th International Technical Conference on Circuits/Systems, Computers and Communications (ITC-CSCC), 1011–1014. https://doi.org/10.1109/ITC-CSCC55581.2022.9895095

[23] Tian, Y., Fu, H., Liu, J., Wang, L., & Xu, X. (2020). Virtual reality educational tool for connecting chemistry lecture with remote laboratory demonstrations. https://doi.org/10.26434/chemrxiv.12040173.v1

[24] Chirico, A., Lucidi, F., Laurentiis, M., Milanese, C., Napoli, A., & Giordano, A. (2016). Virtual reality in health system: Beyond entertainment—A mini-review on the efficacy of VR during cancer treatment. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 231. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcp.25117

[25] Hu, M., Luo, X., Chen, J., Lee, Y., Zhou, Y., & Wu, D. (2021). Virtual reality: A survey of enabling technologies and its applications in IoT. Journal of Network and Computer Applications, 178, 102970. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnca.2020.102970

[26] Kounlaxay, K., Yao, D., Ha, M., & Kim, S. (2022). Design of virtual reality system for organic chemistry. Intelligent Automation and Soft Computing. https://doi.org/10.32604/iasc.2022.020151

[27] Sari, I., Sinaga, P., Hernani, H., Mudzakir, A., & Santria, A. (2023). Using virtual reality as learning tools on chemistry: Advantages and challenges. Tadris: Jurnal Keguruan dan Ilmu Tarbiyah. https://doi.org/10.24042/tadris.v8i1.14593

[28] Kolil, V. K., Muthupalani, S., & Achuthan, K. (2020). Virtual experimental platforms in chemistry laboratory education and its impact on experimental self-efficacy. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 17, 30.

Downloads

Published

2026-04-02

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Ugonwa, R. C., Agbai, I. J., & Osuji, L. C. (2026). Impact of Virtual Reality Technology (VRT) on Chemistry Laboratory and Learning Outcomes of Chemistry Education Students in Nigerian Universities. International Journal Of Research And Technopreneurial Innovations, 1(1), 109-119. https://ijrti.com.ng/index.php/home/article/view/35

Similar Articles

11-15 of 15

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.