The use of virtual reality for creating unusual environmental stimulation to motivate students to explore creative ideas

Abstract

This paper discusses the roles of simulation in creativity education and how to apply immersive virtual environments to enhance students’ learning experiences in university, through the provision of interactive simulations. An empirical study of a simulated virtual reality was carried out in order to investigate the effectiveness of providing virtual simulation to enrich students’ learning experiences. The researchers found that virtual reality can possibly enhance students’ learning experiences by providing them with a heuristic and highly interactive simulated virtual environment. Being explorative and fun are essential parts of students’ learning experiences in virtual reality. This paper suggests that educators create stimulated virtual learning environments, for example game-like environments, to help students develop positive learning behaviors in the learning process.

Keywords:

• stimulation
• simulations
• virtual reality
• interactive learning environments

Notes on contributors

Dr. Kung Wong Lau is an assistant professor at the Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He is interested in creativity training, design thinking and environmental stimulation on creativity. He pays particular attention on the relationships between shard virtual reality and creativity training for higher design education.

Ms. Pui Yuen Lee is currently a lecturer at the Department of Communication Studies, Hong Kong Baptist University. Her research interests include advertising creatives management, new media advertising effects and design education. She has published more than 14 research papers in international referred journals and conferences in the said area. She is currently a PhD candidate in the Business School, University of Edinburgh.