Virtual reality in computer science education: an experience at the Camino al Bello Amanecer Center

Abstract

Introduction: The use of digital tools in the teaching-learning process is crucial for enhancing student learning. Among the tools with the greatest didactic potential is Virtual Reality. This allows for the creation of innovative and motivating learning environments, the connection between theory and practice, the development of experiments, and the exercise of skills. However, it is underutilized, due, among other reasons, to a lack of teacher training. This motivated the development of research on the use of Virtual Reality at the high school level at the private educational unit "Camino al Bello Amanecer." The objective of this research was to design a teaching strategy to enhance the use of Virtual Reality in the subject of Computer Science Applied to Education. Materials and methods: Various theoretical and empirical methods and techniques were used in its development; the feasibility of the teaching strategy was confirmed through a socialization workshop. Results: As a result of the implementation of the teaching strategy, teachers were motivated to consciously contribute to the potential of virtual reality. This represented a new perspective on education in the new context of scientific and technical development, demonstrating its viability and acceptance. Discussion: There are various definitions regarding the content of virtual reality, all of which agree on viewing it as a simulation of real-life processes where the participant sees, hears, and interacts with the system. In this sense, it has educational potential for implementation in classrooms, hence the importance of its application to the teaching-learning process. Conclusions: It is important to consider the necessary infrastructure available to each center, which allows for the use of virtual reality in educational processes and requires teacher training.