The effects of virtual reality on learning office layout design

Computer-assisted instruction has been used in classrooms for several years and its effectiveness has been substantiated by research. Virtual reality, a recently developed computer-assisted simulation, has been gaining popularity as a teaching and training tool. Although the effectiveness of virtual reality as an instructional strategy has been researched at the K-12 level, little research on how virtual reality affects learning for business students at the post-secondary level has been conducted.; The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to determine the effects that virtual reality has on community college Office Technology students' learning of ergonomic concepts related to office layout design. In particular, the study compared the effects on student achievement of ergonomic concepts, attitudes toward using the computer as a part of the learning experience, and expertise in designing an ergonomically correct office layout. The independent variable in this study was the instructional strategy, consisting of a virtual reality walkthrough software program method and paper and pencil method. The dependent variables of this study were achievement of ergonomic concepts, attitudes toward using the computer as a part of the learning experience, and expertise in designing an ergonomically correct office layout.; Results showed no significant difference based on instructional strategy between students' scores on an ergonomic concepts test. When students' attitudes toward using the computer as a part of the learning experience were measured, no significant difference based on instructional strategy was found. No significant difference based on instructional strategy between students' expertise in designing an ergonomically correct office layout was found.; This study has relevance for instructors and trainers, technology consultants and specialists, and administrators who are interested in providing their students with technology for the future.