Virtual Reality as a Learning Tool for Life Sciences

Extended reality (XR) technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), are gaining popularity in the field of life sciences due to their ability to improve learning outcomes and facilitate knowledge retention. These technologies offer an immersive and interactive experience that enables students to visualize and interact with complex biological structures and processes in a more intuitive way than traditional methods of learning. Studies have explored how XR technologies can be used to enhance life science education. VR has been used to simulate laboratory experiments, while AR has been used to create interactive textbooks, and MR has been used to create immersive simulations that allow students to explore complex biological systems and processes in real-time. In this poster, we present the design of a prototype for the use of XR in life science education using Unity and the C# programming language and assets from the Unity store. Learners using the app would be able to select a specific concept to investigate (say a cell structure). The XR environment would allow the user to interact with the cell model by zooming, rotating, and slicing. In subsequent steps, the user would be able to select a specific component of the cell model and search for other types of cells that share similar components. To better assist the learner, the application will keep track of the time spent and of the connections made by the user among the various cell models. This data can also be used to infer best learning strategies as they allow the application to construct a learner model specific to the user. The application is still at the design phase with implementation expected in the future. By providing students with a three-dimensional learning environment, XR technologies offer a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.