Abstract This study investigated the potential of Virtual Reality (VR), using 360-degree (360°) videos, as a tool to teach children about water-safety skills. Children (n = 182) aged 10 to 12 years were randomly assigned to learn about water safety using one of three instructional mediums: 360° VR videos, traditional video, or poster. The training was designed to address specific themes that contributed to drowning in coastal environments, allowing children to learn about dangers of rip currents in a relatively safe environment. Overall, 95% showed improved knowledge of water safety after participating in the water-safety workshop and retained their knowledge during the subsequent tests both one and eight weeks later. No difference was found in the learning outcomes obtained across the three mediums; however, participants in the 360° VR medium reported higher levels of interest and enjoyment than participants using the other two mediums (91% of students in the 360° VR video group found the activity engaging versus 61% for traditional video and 51% for the poster). Teacher feedback also indicated that 360° VR videos are a useful, engaging, and effective method of learning. Overall, we found support for the hypothesis that 360° VR videos are a useful tool to teach targeted skills, and that using 360° VR videos is more motivating and engaging than using traditional learning methods. We also found evidence to support the hypothesis that 360° VR videos are an effective tool for self-directed learning.

中文翻译：

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360 度虚拟现实视频向儿童传授水安全技能的潜力

摘要 本研究调查了虚拟现实 (VR) 的潜力，使用 360 度 (360°) 视频作为向儿童教授水安全技能的工具。10 至 12 岁的儿童 (n = 182) 被随机分配使用以下三种教学媒介之一学习水安全：360° VR 视频、传统视频或海报。该培训旨在解决导致在沿海环境中溺水的特定主题，让孩子们在相对安全的环境中了解离岸流的危险。总体而言，95% 的人在参加水安全研讨会后表现出对水安全的了解有所提高，并在随后的一星期和八周后的测试中保留了他们的知识。在三种媒介中获得的学习成果没有发现差异；然而，360° VR 媒体的参与者报告的兴趣和享受程度高于使用其他两种媒体的参与者（360° VR 视频组中 91% 的学生认为活动很吸引人，而传统视频为 61%，海报为 51%） . 教师反馈还表明，360° VR 视频是一种有用、引人入胜且有效的学习方法。总体而言，我们发现 360° VR 视频是教授有针对性的技能的有用工具这一假设得到支持，并且使用 360° VR 视频比使用传统学习方法更具激励性和吸引力。我们还发现了支持 360° VR 视频是自主学习的有效工具这一假设的证据。