ERIC Number: EJ1443385
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Jul
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0021-9584
EISSN: EISSN-1938-1328
Available Date: N/A
Exploring the Structure of Proteins and Other Biomolecules with a VR Museum: Lessons in Classroom Integration
Nicole Calma-Roddin; Kevin Park; Jacqueline Keighron
Journal of Chemical Education, v100 n7 p2574-2582 2023
The three-dimensional nature of macromolecules is often difficult for undergraduate students to grasp. This leads to difficulties in understanding key concepts in Biochemistry, such as protein function and conformational change. Virtual reality (VR) technologies, which can aid students in three-dimensional visualizations, have been shown to increase student motivation, but published reports do not universally agree about whether VR improves student comprehension. Here we present the implementation of a VR experience that was designed to complement existing biochemistry experiments and an analysis of both student engagement with and understanding of the material presented in VR. Results indicate that students enjoyed this interactive, immersive activity and suggest evidence of increased understanding. However, the effectiveness of the VR experience--and effective assessment of such an experience--may depend on a number of factors.
Descriptors: Technology Integration, Technology Uses in Education, Museums, Undergraduate Students, Computer Simulation, Biochemistry, Models, Visual Aids, Science Activities, Science Instruction
Division of Chemical Education, Inc. and ACS Publications Division of the American Chemical Society. 1155 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 800-227-5558; Tel: 202-872-4600; e-mail: eic@jce.acs.org; Web site: http://pubs.acs.org/jchemeduc
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
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Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A