Virtual Reality as a Catalyst for Sense of Belonging in Distance University Students: A Path to Reducing Dropout Rates

KOŠATKA, David and Alžběta ŠAŠINKOVÁ. Virtual Reality as a Catalyst for Sense of Belonging in Distance University Students: A Path to Reducing Dropout Rates. In Cognition and Artificial Life Conference. 2024.

Basic information

• Original name: Virtual Reality as a Catalyst for Sense of Belonging in Distance University Students: A Path to Reducing Dropout Rates
• Name in Czech: Virtuální realita jako katalyzátor pro budování pocitu sounáležitosti u distančních studujících: Cesta ke snížení míry předčasného ukončení studia
• Name (in English): Virtual Reality as a Catalyst for Sense of Belonging in Distance University Students: A Path to Reducing Dropout Rates
• Authors: KOŠATKA, David and Alžběta ŠAŠINKOVÁ.
• Edition: Cognition and Artificial Life Conference, 2024.

Other information

• Type of outcome: Proceedings paper
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• WWW: URL

Abstract

The presentation will showcase the initial findings of a research project focused on the innovative use of Virtual Reality (VR) to enhance distance learning programs by fostering community through active collaboration in immersive virtual environments. The research aims to enrich these programs with a social dimension that has been notably absent, thereby potentially reducing dropout rates and enhancing the students’ well-being. The research presented in this paper is structured around three specific objectives: 1) Empirically testing the impact of collaborative VR on the development of social connectivity among distance learning students. 2) Developing and designing a suite of VR tools aimed at community building within these programs. 3) Establishing a network of academic institutions that offer distance learning programs interested in utilizing VR to enhance social cohesion among student groups, with possibilities for collaboration both within the Czech Republic and internationally. This research explores wheather VR can be a transformative tool in distance education, providing vital insights into its efficacy in improving student engagement and retention.

Abstract (in English)

The presentation will showcase the initial findings of a research project focused on the innovative use of Virtual Reality (VR) to enhance distance learning programs by fostering community through active collaboration in immersive virtual environments. The research aims to enrich these programs with a social dimension that has been notably absent, thereby potentially reducing dropout rates and enhancing the students’ well-being. The research presented in this paper is structured around three specific objectives: 1) Empirically testing the impact of collaborative VR on the development of social connectivity among distance learning students. 2) Developing and designing a suite of VR tools aimed at community building within these programs. 3) Establishing a network of academic institutions that offer distance learning programs interested in utilizing VR to enhance social cohesion among student groups, with possibilities for collaboration both within the Czech Republic and internationally. This research explores wheather VR can be a transformative tool in distance education, providing vital insights into its efficacy in improving student engagement and retention.