The Potential of Using Virtual Reality Technology in Physical Activity Settings

Abstract

In recent years, virtual reality technology has been successfully used for learning purposes. The purposes of the article are to examine current research on the role of virtual reality in physical activity settings and discuss potential application of using virtual reality technology to enhance learning in physical education. The article starts with a description of major features in virtual reality technology, then focuses on review and critique of studies on its use in physical activity settings, and concludes with a discussion on future directions of using the virtual reality technology in research of learner conceptual change in physical education. Research evidence cited and reasoning made in the article support the idea that, under certain conditions and with specific learners, virtual reality technology can be a useful tool to enhance learning in physical activity settings by facilitating the conceptual change process.

Keywords:

• Virtual reality
• physical activity
• conceptual change
• physical education