PFRDG using Immersive Virtual Reality (iVR) to Support the Development of Quality Management Skills

Martha Snyder Ph.D. is the Director of Faculty Professional Development in NSU’s Learning and Educational Center (LEC) with an appointment in the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. She is working in collaboration with Steven Kramer Ph.D., Associate Professor in the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship on this President’s Faculty Research and Development Grant (PFRDG) funded project. Their collaborative project is titled “Formative Research on Instructional Design Theory for Immersive VR in Higher Ed.”

 

Tell me about your recent grant-funded project.

This project is focused on using 360-degree video vignettes in immersive virtual reality (iVR) to support the development of quality management skills. This work is helping us understand and explore how we can design these experiences and implement them in higher education for student learning. The use of 360-degree iVR videos in higher education is in its early stages, so we took an exploratory approach to understanding how we can best design and implement these experiences grounded in relevant learning theories and instructional design theories.

The methodology we are using is a design-based research approach where we implemented 360 videos in a master’s-level course (“Quality Management” in the business college), which were used to supplement classroom learning about various quality management topics. For example, following classroom learning about operationalizing quality and work as a process, students entered into iVR to watch a 360-degree video of furniture store employees assembling chairs. As the students and professor watched the video, the professor was able to start and stop it and point out potential areas of waste in the assembly process.

We are collecting quantitative data via two surveys and qualitative data through interviews with students, our external partner who is an expert in VR, and the course instructor. These data provide us information on the process/workflow for developing and integrating the videos into the course, how the videos facilitate the development of quality management competencies, and how students perceive their experience.

 

Who is working with you on this project?

My role is to design the study, collect and analyze the data, and report the findings with the research team. Dr. Kramer brings the subject matter expertise, creates and implements the videos, and teaches the course with student participants.

 

The research team is made up of Diane Lippe (Executive Director of the LEC) who has expertise in teaching and learning initiatives. Our student researcher, Sharan Sankar, is assisting with data analysis, coding qualitative data/transcripts, and reviewing conference presentations. Finally, Jimmy Gilberti, our external collaborator from The Glimpse Group, assists with providing applications within the iVR where we meet in a virtual space and collaborate.

 

How does this grant intersect with your work at NSU?

My background is in learning technology, using technology to enhance teaching and learning, and in instructional design and development. This grant is helping us explore new technology and how to bring it to the university. Further, it is helping us understand what faculty need to adopt these types of technologies in the classroom.

 

What advice do you have for other grant seekers at NSU?

Start small. The PFRDG grant is a fantastic entry point because it helps with learning the grant process and sets you up for future grant seeking activities. Utilize the grants office since they provide workshops and sessions related to grant writing. Connect with other colleagues to find out what they’re doing and interested in researching.

 

What is the next grant proposal or project on your agenda?

In the future, I would like to apply to the NSF-funded opportunity related to technology for teaching and learning. We are also looking at other private funding agencies.

 

What is the next step in this project?

We will be submitting our  manuscript for publication and seek external funding opportunities.

 

What Is your hope for the outcomes in this project and expanding on It in the future?

My hope is that given where NSU is going with technology and technology infrastructure, I would like to serve as the connection between the technology and the people. I would like to help faculty understand the theory behind the use of these technologies and how to best use them to facilitate learning.