Cognitive load, learning efficiency and motivation: location-based virtual reality experience versus traditional learning methods

Šmulkštytė, Marija

Cognitive load, learning efficiency and motivation: location-based virtual reality experience versus traditional learning methods

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Citation

Šmulkštytė, M. Cognitive load, learning efficiency and motivation: location-based virtual reality experience versus traditional learning methods. 2024. handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10230/69632

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Abstract

Location-based virtual reality (LBVR) technology, which merges virtual reality with real-world physical spaces, has demonstrated significant potential to transform educational experiences by providing highly immersive and interactive learning environments. These environments can help to engage students more profoundly, offering unique opportunities for experiential learning that traditional methods may not be able to replicate. However, despite these advantages, the educational effectiveness of LBVR is contingent upon a careful balance between engagement and cognitive load. Cognitive load, defined as the mental effort required to process information, is a critical factor in determining the effectiveness of any educational technology. Excessive cognitive load can impede learning by overwhelming students' cognitive resources, whereas an optimal level of cognitive load can enhance understanding and retention. This study employs an experimental design to compare cognitive load in LBVR and traditional learning environments, assessing its impact on learning efficiency. Furthermore, the study analyses the impact of motivation in the learning process, recognizing that motivated students are more likely to engage deeply with the material and persist through challenges. The study aims to fill a significant gap in the literature by exploring the balance between immersive engagement and cognitive efficiency specifically in LBVR, with the goal of offering practical insights for the effective integration of LBVR technology into educational curricula.