Exploring the Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality on Learning Outcomes: A Two-Path Model

摘要

Immersive virtual reality (VR) has attracted widespread attention and has been increasingly adopted in education. However, the influence of immersive VR on learning outcomes is still unclear, with conflicting results emerging from the research. The contradictory research can be attributed to the fact that little research has systematically analyzed the effects of immersive VR on learning processes and ultimately on learning outcomes. Therefore, this study focuses on analyzing how immersive VR affects learning outcomes and explaining the reasons behind the contradictory research about immersive VR's effects. A survey was conducted in a laboratory setting in which the participants were asked to play an immersive VR application for learning. The results show that immersive VR affects learning outcomes through affective and cognitive paths. In the affective path, immersive VR features influence learning outcomes through the mediation of immersion and enjoyment. In the cognitive path, immersive VR features influence learning outcomes through the mediation of usefulness, control and active learning, and cognitive benefits. By providing a nuanced understanding of the effects of immersive VR on learning outcomes, this study contributes to the VR literature for learning.