"Was It Real?" - The Effects of Virtual Reality Communication Skills Training Among University Students in India

Virtual Reality (VR) technology enables students to be trained in new behaviour in an authentic and situated learning context. The pilot study investigated the effects of a scaffolded five-minutes 360-degree video-based VR training on communication skills, achievement emotions and motivation among university students in India. The results of an experimental trial with repeated measures show, except for a slight rise in positive emotions for the control group, no significant differences in the VR-condition. Nevertheless, students are highly convinced that VR-training has the potential to improve their academic skills and performance. High acceptance of VR-based education and the potential to replace real education settings at university level were observed.