Virtual Turbine Engine: Immersive Exploration of Engine Part

Abstract

In the present day, where learners are best able to learn through meaningful and entertaining activities, it is not surprising to note that in reality, the incorporation of advanced technologies in the classroom has become an integral part of the innovative ways of teaching. This is most noticeable in the creation of more interactive educational products such as Virtual Turbine Engine: Immersive Exploration of Engine Part, which uses the Unity platform to deliver engaging learning experiences combined with state-of-the-art VR. Such tools provide a great opportunity to further facilitate students’ comprehension of complex topics such as gas turbine engines by integrating basic principles with hands-on virtual applications. Although much research has been done on the use technology in enhancing the learning process, the role of VR in the teaching and learning of aviation and engineering concepts is still limited. Reviews of earlier studies conducted on educational technology often focus on the benefits of the interactive devices used in the studies but fail to examine in detail the effect of VR interaction on both conventional and digital modes of education. This study aims at bridging such a knowledge gap by exploring the impacts of VR integration on the teaching and learning of gas turbine engines. The Virtual Turbine Engine: Immersive Exploration of Engine Part represents the engagement opportunities for students to explore the complicated parts of the gas turbine engines in a virtual environment. We present herein a quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness of the tool regarding its usability, the influence of the approach on students' knowledge about the engine systems, and satisfaction of users. Findings reveal that there is huge potential for educational aids using VR in aviation and engineering studies. The Virtual Turbine Engine: Immersive Exploration of Engine Part, by enabling an immersive and self-directed learning experience, can bridge the gap between theory and practice, making technical education more accessible and engaging and thus more effective.