Using Virtual Reality as a Learning Media: Advantages and Challenges
Indah Sari(a,c*), Parlindungan Sinaga(a), Hernani Hernani(a), and Ahmad Mudzakir(b)

a) Program Studi Pendidikan Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam, Sekolah Pascasarjana, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia
b) Departemen Pendidikan Kimia, FPMIPA, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia
c)Program Studi Pendidikan Kimia, Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan, Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, Jl. Ciwaru Raya No.25, Serang 42121, Indonesia

Abstract

This study addresses advantages and challenges of using VR technology as a learning media. An investigation has been made to find out the opinions of teachers about the difficulties of teaching and the advantages of using VR on learning activities based on their experience. Participants who elaborate in this study are 20 teachers (11 male teachers and 9 female teachers) who are taking the VR Ambassador Program. The items consist of 15 questions that have been already analyzed by Rasch analysis. Rasch analysis explains the difficulties experienced by teachers and the advantages of using VR as learning media. The result shows that most teachers experience difficulties when teaching only orally without adequate learning media. Almost all teachers agree that the use of VR as a learning media can help students gain knowledge, understanding, applying their knowledge to new situations, analytical skills, evaluating abilities, and VR can also help increase students^ engagement, motivation, and attention. This study also discusses the challenges: costs and teacher^s capability of VR technology.

Keywords: virtual reality, learning media, rasch analysis, Millea Lab

Topic: Chemistry Education