National University of Singapore: Top VR Use Cases & Study
NUS VR Use Cases with Uptale
Using Uptale 360/VR authoring tool platform, NUS teachers have created various use cases to immerse their students in concrete simulations.
VR Sampling
Teaching environmental sampling techniques through immersive experiences.
Immerse in a 360 laboratory with overlaid interactions such as quizzes, 3D objects, 2D videos and more.
Metaverse Laboratory
This immersive virtual laboratory offers a hands-on VR experience where students can practice protocols like chemical spill response and emergency handling, all in a risk-free virtual space.
Crime Scene Simulations
Hands-on forensic science practice in virtual crime scenes, with 79% of students expressing positive feedback.
They reproduced a real crime scene with all the clues, filmed it and integrated it into Uptale.
Virtual Excursion
Allowing students to explore international locations and environmental concepts without logistical constraints.
Enhanced 360 Video for Laboratory Inspection Training
The VR laboratory inspection training enabled concrete benefits as observed by the teachers:
- Standardized Training: Enabled trainees to consistently identify hazards across different laboratory setups.
- User Engagement: Participants rated the training’s effectiveness at 87.5%, with many recommending it to others.
- Enhanced Hazard Awareness: Interactive features like quizzes, heatmaps for missed hazards, and object relocation tasks (e.g., storing chemicals correctly) improved hazard detection and practical skills.
Overcoming Challenges: The "VR Teaching Anxiety"
One significant barrier to SR adoption is “VR teaching anxiety,” stemming from concerns about technical proficiency and lack of institutional support. Addressing these challenges requires:
- Professional Development: Training educators to use virtual tools effectively.
- Simplified Tools: Platforms like Uptale, which require no coding, make SR accessible to educators with minimal technical expertise.
Benefits of Spatial Reality in Education
Studies show that XR technologies enhance learning outcomes, particularly in action-oriented and problem-solving contexts. Notable findings include:
- Improved Knowledge Retention: Meta-analyses show immersive VR is more effective than traditional methods, particularly in science education.
- Student Engagement: In trials at NUS, 64% of participants in virtual excursions reported a positive experience, highlighting the motivational power of XR tools.