Project Title: Exploring Virtual Reality in Astronomy Education: Enhancing Student Understanding through Immersive Learning Environments Nandana Weliweriya, Inseok Song (Physics and Astronomy) Nandana Weliweriya Project Abstract: Nandana Weliweriya, an education researcher collaborating with astronomy research faculty, Dr. Inseok Song, proposes to develop an astronomical virtual reality (VR) platform with specific modules to test the effectiveness of the VR platform for enhancing the quality of astronomy instruction and research, broadly STEM. The project aims to overcome the limitations and issues in current astronomy lab courses and provide a method for students to engage in real-world scenarios and practice problem-solving and decision-making skills in astronomy courses. The proposed VR platform will include specific modules like Virtual Night Sky, Eclipses, Tides, and Parallax, which will be tested for effectiveness in enhancing student understanding. The team proposes to develop on the existing technological developments made from the support of previous rounds of Learning Technologies grants that the PI collaborated with the College of Engineering. With encouraging result from this proposed pilot study, the team plan to expand the scope with more modules and seek external funding support, like submitting a grant proposal to the National Science Foundation's Improving Undergraduate STEM Education Program to measure the physics to engineering transformation. Type of News/Audience: News
