THE IMPACT OF EXPERIENCING IMMERSIVE SIMULATION IN TEACHING

Abstract

The present study examines the use of Mursion technology in pre-service science education courses. The author describes the concept of Mursion technology, using Virtual Reality in a classroom setting, and benefits of constructivist teaching practices. Case study findings focus on outcomes obtained with a selection of 5 pre-service teachers. The Mursion experiences resulted in a higher sense of self-efficacy in the pre-service teachers. Students were able to support their interview question answers with evidence from the Mursion experiences using specific changes in mindset and classroom management. When comparing pre-interview and post-interview data, the Mursion experiences resulted in improved confidence, as well as stronger understanding of leading classroom discussions. Study limitations and time constraints are detailed and followed by a description of how this research experience impacted the researcher as a future educator.