Top 5 Challenges in Teaching Materials Science and How VR Solves Them
Material sciences, as an educational field, encompasses important concepts from all important disciplines like physics, chemistry, and engineering. According to studies, about 70% of all technological developments have material sciences education as the bedrock.
There are, however, a few challenges in the field today like maintaining sufficient safety protocols, access to equipment, and maintaining engagement rates of the pupils.
So why have stellar universities like the Pennsylvania State University resorted to VR-based dedication in materials science? What is making hundreds of institutes all across the globe consider VR for material sciences education?
Let’s find out in this blog.
Top Challenges in Material Sciences Education
Educating students in materials science can be a grueling task, given the complexity of the subject matter and the ever-evolving, dynamic nature of the field.
Educators have been facing a few challenges lately and as part of the pedagogical system, it is important to ensure the optimum performance of the students. For this very reason, institutes have been implementing material sciences in VR. In fact, students using VR for learning complex concepts have shown a 75% improvement in retention rates compared to the traditional method
This blog sheds light on some of the challenges faced by educators and institutes today when it comes to imparting material sciences education. We will also see how the different insights are alienating this issue and the educational principle behind each step.
Limited Engagement and Motivation
The field of material sciences engineering includes many intricate concepts. There are complex models like crustal structure models, diffusion models, and thermodynamics models. There are also complicated techniques a student needs to master like X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis, and spectroscopy.
Keeping children engaged for long periods is a hassle for educators. According to Ms Ritu Raman, a professor at MIT, focusing on skills and visualization techniques is very important to keeping students’ engagement high.
Using a VR headset for material science in VR gives students the facilities of a multimodal environment. At the University of Maryland, educators have implemented VR in their materials science courses. These students can explore molecular structure down to the last detail and avail VR for material structure analysis.
According to studies conducted at the University of Southern California, students while learning through modules designed for VR science lab, exhibited a 40% increase in engagement levels and better retention of knowledge. The university has deployed VR-based modules related to materials science, offering immersive material science education to the students.
Complex Concepts and Visualization
There are certain concepts in material science that need a great deal of visualization. These include the processing of materials ( casting, forging, and machining) and the microstructure of materials ( precipitation hardening and phase distribution).
Without proper visualization of these concepts, the students will be lacking in problem-solving skills and a deep comprehension of the subject matter. This concept is not just limited to materials science but can be tapered to mathematical concepts like visualizing data sets, functions, and geometric shapes.
Immersive techniques utilizing VR-based Material Simulation allow the child to engage and interact actively with the subject matter. That is based on the theory of ‘Constructivism”, which posits that a learner constructs his own knowledge of the subject matter based on his observations, interactions, and his own experiences (principle of active learning).
In a recent study conducted with 120 students, the student’s performance improved by 29.17% after applying constructivist methods of learning.
Limited Access to Laboratory Resources
According to Francisco Molina Lopez, professor at KU Leaven, there is an ardent need for equipment at the material sciences laboratory to be more cost-effective. He stresses on bridging the gap between theoretical practices and practical knowledge by making devices like thermoelectric devices more effective.
Now imagine putting on a VR headset and getting access to 120+ STEM modules. There is a “machine” mode, wherein the students can view the internal workings of the machine like virtual reality tensile test machines. The students can view the internal workings of the equipment, view the parts separately as well as see the machine in action. Our team at iXRlabs offers just that.
Except for the initial hassle of setting up VR labs, there is no need for the institute to squander on extravagant technology and a lot of the expenses get saved. In fact, according to research, a virtual reality lab can reduce the costs incurred by the university by up to 80%.
The Morehouse College has successfully reduced costs using VR in engineering materials. In a pilot program called “Morehouse in the Metaverse,” the college implemented VR courses in subjects such as biology, and chemistry. This implementation significantly improved student engagement but also resulted in a 10% increase in GPA for students enrolled in VR classes. This was a remarkable improvement as compared to the performances of students taught through traditional methods like Zoom or face-to-face instruction.
Safety Concerns in Hands-On Learning
According to reports, between 2000 and 2019, there were 110 laboratory incidents in China and the primary cause was a lack of safety protocols. These can range from anything from wearing proper PPE Kits to inadequate ventilation, inefficient handling of chemical washes and hazardous materials, and improper emergency handling mechanisms.
In an experiment conducted recently, it was revealed that students trained with VR STEM modules scored an average of 8.1, while those trained in traditional classroom settings with the help of presentation could score only 7.7. This is based on the principle of “experiential theory” promulgated by American educational theorist, Mr. David Kolb. It emphasizes on learning through interactive experiences and is one of the ways by which VR transforms science education.
At the Dartmouth Institute of Technology, educators have effectively implemented Virtual lab civil engineering and safety training mechanisms. This includes virtual labs that enable students to simulate, materials science virtual experiments like X-ray diffraction, FEA, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This immersive material science education, approach enhances students’ comprehension of intricate material properties (mechanical/ chemical/ electrical/ optical) and experimental protocols, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts such as crystal structure, microstructure, and elemental composition.
Diverse Learning Paces and Styles
Each student in a college or a university has different educational needs, and learning paces, and prefers different modes for gaining knowledge. A personalized approach is indispensable, which is inclusive and will motivate the learners to delve deeper.
So how is material sciences in VR empowering students to take ownership of their learning? The most important benefit of a VR-based Material Simulation in education is the flexibility. In the VR-based science module, there are different modes of learning, adhering to the “multiple intelligence theory”. Some children may prefer to have a self-guided tour of the lab and inspect the machine by themselves, while others may prefer watching the machine in motion. There are different teaching modes involved- audio, kinesthetic, visual overlays, et al.
By virtue of this methodology, students could grasp the knowledge effectively and then confidently apply their knowledge wherever required. According to a report published by PwC, learners were 40% more confident while applying the knowledge gained through VR-based education.
Summing up the key takeaways from the blog-
- VR significantly increases student engagement, and studies have shown that on average, there is a 40% improvement in participation levels. This helps maintain the student’s interests while teaching complicated subjects
- VR facilitates active learning and visualization, leading to a 29.17% improvement in student performance by allowing them to interact with intricate material structures and processes.
- With countless STEM modules, VR firms have reduced the need for expensive laboratory equipment. Morehouse College has witnessed a 10% rise in the students’ GPAs after the deployment of VR
- VR provides a safe environment for conducting potentially hazardous experiments, preventing dangerous accidents in the laboratories.
Final Words
A recently conducted Survey by the Catholic University of Avila, Spain, has revealed that VR is rated highly by educators. The average score by professors is 4 out of 5 when it comes to usability as well as for didactic purposes.
As technology continues to evolve, there will be more use cases of material sciences in VR. Global collaboration, remote learning, and more sustainable practices have been predicted for the future.
So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with our team today for a free consultation.
