A User Study of Virtual Reality for Visualizing Digitized Canadian Cultural Objects

Algoma University holds an important collection of Canadian objects from the Anishinaabe culture dating from 1880. Some of those objects have been on display in the university's library, but most of them still remain stored in the university's archive, limiting opportunities to use them in teaching and learning activities. This chapter describes a research project focusing on digitizing and visualizing cultural artifacts using virtual reality (VR) technology, with the aim of supporting learning of Canadian heritage in cross-cultural courses. The chapter shows technical aspects of the objects' 3D digitization process and goes on to explain a user study with students watching a 3D model displayed on a low-cost VR headset. Results from the study show that visualization of the 3D model on the VR headset was effective, efficient, and satisfactory enough to use, motivating students to keep using it in further sessions. Technology integration of VR in educational settings is also analyzed and discussed.