3D System for Learning Gains in the Lower Secondary Normal (Technical) Stream

Abstract

There is an emerging trend that the virtual learning system (VLS) has the ability to help learners learn better. With the increased immersion, interaction , and imagination that a three-dimensional (3D) VLS provides, it acts as an effective learning platform to ease teaching and learning problems especially for students who are academically at risk. This study investigates what features are needed in a 3D VLS to motivate learning for the topic on Digestion for Secondary 1 Normal (Technical) students in Singapore. Furthermore, it also explores how learning in the 3D VLS affects students’ attitudes and achievements. Observations would also be made to see if the students have gained any twenty-first century skills such as self-directedness and collaboration. It was found that students gained an average of seven marks in their posttest, and that tasks that were collaborative in nature led to increased student academic efficacy. Findings also suggest that 3D simulation games accompanied with Twitter made the difference in motivating the students best as compared to the other features in the VLS as students were motivated to be engaged in more academic discussions. The authors also noted a slight improvement in students’ self-management skills and analytical thinking, which suggests that the VLS helps to promote the development of essential twenty-first century skills.