Virtual reality and education: challenges and proposals from educational actors of the public high school in Ecuador

Abstract

The objective of this research was to analyze the challenges and proposals for the implementation of Virtual Reality (VR) in education, specifically from the perceptions of public high school actors in Ecuador. A study was carried out with a mixed approach, with an exploratory descriptive scope. Survey and focus group techniques were applied to a population of 463 high school students of the Luis Cordero Educational Unit. For the qualitative approach, six key informants were selected who provided relevant information from their experience as teachers. The results showed deficiencies in the Educational Unit in the development of experimental learning, the use of laboratories, and access to technology. It was identified that the EU infrastructure and the predisposition and interest of teachers and students are favorable for the implementation of VR in the teaching of Biology and Chemistry through virtual laboratories. It was concluded that VR can be an effective tool to improve experimental teaching in Biology and Chemistry in the EU Luis Cordero. The implementation of virtual laboratories is recommended to take advantage of the potential of VR and improve the connection between technology and teaching practice in the Ecuadorian educational context.