Swapping visual perspective in virtual reality (VR) provides a unique means for embodying different virtual bodies and for self-distancing. Moreover, this technology is a powerful tool for experiential learning and for simulating realistic scenarios, with broad potential in the training of soft skills. However, there is scarce knowledge on how…

Design thinking and virtual reality continue to infiltrate the K-12 landscape, with incredible promise for fostering deeper engagement with content. Design thinking in particular embodies maker education's beliefs in learning through building, but with the added caveat of solving real-world problems with the consideration of others' perspectives.…

The present investigation aims to identify best practices to design virtual reality (VR) story-worlds to promote prejudice reduction and foster prosocial attitudes toward under-represented groups. Past research shows that VR, which allows the simulation of scenarios that would otherwise be prohibitively difficult or impossible in real life, can be…

As a teaching and learning medium, 360° videos offer new teaching-learning experiences. Through the possibility of immersion, individual 360° panoramic images, multi-perspective viewing options and interaction possibilities, they extend the advantages of conventional video technology. To understand the potential of using 360° video technology for…

The US population is becoming increasingly older. Alongside the changing mental and physical capacities that accompany aging, reduced visual function is a common occurrence for older adults. Empathy is an important and useful skill for interior designers in that this ability is extremely helpful for understanding older adults' experience in the…

Virtual reality (VR) applications are developing rapidly, becoming more and more affordable, and offer various advantages for learning contexts. Dynamic visualizations are generally suitable for depicting continuous processes (e.g., different movement patterns), and particularly dynamic virtual 3D-objects can provide different perspectives on the…

Empathy is an essential human skill that can be divided into two types: (1) cognitive empathy, which is the capacity of understanding others' thoughts and emotions; and (2) affective empathy, which is the capacity to feel others' emotional states. Many educational contents exist for both types, and immersive virtual reality (VR) has been shown to…

Intercultural sensitivity involves recognizing, understanding, and valuing the diverse perspectives, behaviors, and norms of individuals from different cultural backgrounds and appropriately responding to cultural differences in ways that promote mutual respect. Intercultural sensitivity requires empathy, openness, and a willingness to challenge…

Background: Immersive VR is still rarely used as an intervention for meeting the affective end goals of student learning despite its positive impact on affection. Also, studies regarding the use of immersive VR as an intervention for affective achievement in broader educational contexts are still lacking. Objectives: This study aimed to examine…

As a key professional competence of teachers, empathy involves whether teachers can stand in the student's position to pay attention, understand their behavior, and make reasonable judgment and explanation of it. Researchers have discovered that 360° virtual reality (360° VR), a relatively recent form of media, can be particularly powerful in…

Understanding blindness or imagining being blind can be challenging for individuals without visual impairments. One of the affordances of high-immersion virtual reality (VR) is its ability to build empathy and facilitate perspective-taking. VR can be potent when providing narrative, experience-laden education that exposes users to ideas and…

Australian preservice teachers (PSTs) are required to show evidence that they can 'engage with parents/carers' (AITSL Standard 7.3). This paper reports on a pilot study of PSTs, in their final year within an Initial Teacher Education programme, in a mixed reality learning environment immersing themselves in authentic and challenging conversations…

There has been increasing use of interactive technologies in the classroom today and a rising popularity of employing virtual environments as a means to engage students in sensorially rich contexts for more embodied forms of experiential learning. In particular, virtual reality (VR) or immersive virtual environments (IVEs) facilitated by…

Background: Natureculture (Fuentes, 2010; Haraway, 2003) constructs offer a powerful framework for science education to explore learners' interactions with and understanding of the natural world. Technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) designed to reveal pets' sensory worlds and companionship with pets can facilitate learners' harmonious…

Science education aims to enhance students' scientific knowledge and inquiry ability. In recent years, due to the advancements of computer and network technology, as well as the considerations of safety and cost, virtual reality (VR) has been gradually applied in scientific inquiry activities. When implementing inquiry-based learning in the past,…