The Sciences through Pixels: Virtual Reality as an innovation in the learning outcome in higher education in northwestern Mexico: Virtual Reality as an innovation in the learning outcome in higher education in northwestern Mexico

Abstract

In the last decade, there has been a reemergence of innovation practices in the education field, some of them has been the use of virtual reality (VR). In Mexico, the use of these technologies has been restricted to institutions that possess a specific capital and to academics that have the knowledge to use and adopt them in their learning outcomes. The emergence of remote learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic has generated a digital learner that requires different environments. This study (1) analyzes the use of VR among university and High School students to identify if they perceived that they improved their learning outcomes and if (2) the use of VR is considered as an innovation in their experiences. The study compares students' submissions from a private University and High School (ITESM, Sonora Norte Campus) in the State of Sonora, Mexico. The northwestern region of Mexico is known for its technological research and collaborations with North American institutions. We conducted a semi structured survey and analyzed their answers about VR use and innovation in their studies. We analyzed their interactions with the software and the literature that aided us in understanding innovation. Our study showed that most participants perceived that VR enhanced their learning outcomes. We conclude that innovation and technology must be added to the conversation when policymakers, education and industry agents come together to generate new outcomes for the new reality, the new learner and the future global market as well.