=Paper= {{Paper |id=Vol-3691/paper17 |storemode=property |title=Assessing the impact of virtual reality on mathematics teaching in rural middle schools: A quasi-experimental approach |pdfUrl=https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-3691/paper17.pdf |volume=Vol-3691 |authors=Jesús Narciso Barrientos Maldonado,Ezra Federico Parra-González,Kathia Anahí Zurita-Aguilar,Himer Avila-George |dblpUrl=https://dblp.org/rec/conf/cisetc/MaldonadoPZA23 }} ==Assessing the impact of virtual reality on mathematics teaching in rural middle schools: A quasi-experimental approach== https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-3691/paper17.pdf
                                Assessing the impact of virtual reality on mathematics
                                teaching in rural middle schools: A
                                quasi-experimental approach⋆
                                Jesús Narciso Barrientos Maldonado1 , Ezra Federico Parra-González2,** ,
                                Kathia Anahí Zurita-Aguilar3 and Himer Avila-George4
                                1
                                  Regional Center for Teacher Training and Educational Research (CRETAM), Cd. Victoria, Tamaulipas, México
                                2
                                  Center for Mathematical Research (CIMAT), Zacatecas, Zacatecas, México
                                3
                                  Council of Humanities Science and Technology (CONAHCYT), México
                                4
                                  University of Guadalajara, Valleys University Center (CUVALLES), Ameca, Jalisco, México


                                                                         Abstract
                                                                         In this study, the impact of using virtual reality in teaching mathematics at a rural secondary school
                                                                         in Antiguo Morelos, Mexico, was evaluated. Two groups of students, one exposed to virtual reality
                                                                         and another following a traditional didactic sequence, were compared in terms of their performance
                                                                         before and after the intervention. The results revealed a significant improvement in the group that used
                                                                         virtual reality, suggesting that this technology can be an effective tool for teaching mathematics in rural
                                                                         environments. Although further research is needed, these findings support the investment in educational
                                                                         technology and proper teacher training in rural communities.

                                                                         Keywords
                                                                         Virtual reality, mathematics, rural secondary, technology




                                1. Introduction
                                Mathematics education confronts formidable challenges in the digital epoch, necessitating an
                                imperative evolution from conventional pedagogies that often constrict experiential learning
                                and spatial comprehension. Virtual Reality (VR), as delineated by Botella, "a technology that
                                enables the creation of a real-world analog through simulated environments, engendering
                                a sensation of presence via multisensory interaction," [1] heralds a progressive pedagogical
                                paradigm. This treatise scrutinizes the amalgamation of VR in the domain of mathematical
                                education and its ensuing impact on learning outcomes, informed by an empirical investigation
                                and avant-garde practical applications. The study aspires to enrich the incipient scholarly canon,
                                by elucidating the experimental deployment of VR in mathematical tutelage and offering an
                                incisive discourse on its influence on student academic progression.

                                CISETC 2023: International Congress on Education and Technology in Sciences, December 04–06, 2023, Zacatecas, Mexico
                                **
                                  Corresponding author.
                                $ jesusbarrientos\protect1_dpe5@cretam.edu.mx (J. N. B. Maldonado); ezra.parra@cimat.mx (E. F. Parra-González);
                                kathia.zur@gmail.com (K. A. Zurita-Aguilar); himer.avila@academicos.udg.mx (H. Avila-George)
                                 0009-0000-8275-265X (J. N. B. Maldonado); 0000-0002-1192-6568 (E. F. Parra-González); 0000-0002-0605-9762
                                (K. A. Zurita-Aguilar); 0000-0001-8578-0170 (H. Avila-George)
                                                                       © 2023 Copyright for this paper by its authors. Use permitted under Creative Commons License Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0).
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   VR transcends mere enhancement of spatial knowledge representation and experiential
learning; it catalyzes student motivation and scholastic achievement [2]. Its capacity to facilitate
mathematical problem-solving, exemplified in the computation of perimeters and areas of
geometric entities, signifies a substantial advancement beyond the traditional didactic stratagems
[3]. Moreover, VR forges avenues for soft skill cultivation, such as intercultural leadership among
STEM graduates, through immersive modules harnessing a spectrum of recording genres [4].
The multifaceted deployment of VR thus accentuates its potential as an integrative educational
apparatus.
   Conversely, the instruction of sophisticated mathematical constructs, such as multivariable
calculus, via VR has yielded heterogeneous results, signifying a disjunction between favorable
student perceptions and tangible academic betterment [5]. Contrastingly, VR has demonstrated
supremacy in the pedagogy of scientific laboratory techniques over conventional 2D imagery,
enhancing both the learning experience and utility [6]. The conception of pedagogic implements,
for instance, iFractions, is directed at ameliorating specific challenges inherent in fraction
comprehension, evidencing efficacy in preliminary evaluations [7].
   The application of VR environments employing the Singaporean pedagogical approach has
been shown to ameliorate metacognitive prowess and scholastic outcomes [8]. Innovations such
as BRICKxAR/T have underscored the significance of contextualizing mathematical concepts
within tangible settings to bolster comprehension [9]. Analogously, Immersive Virtual Environ-
ments (IVEs) have been substantiated as effective for the inculcation of essential mathematical
operations in foundational education stages [10].
   The burgeoning salience of VR in education is illuminated by its deployment in virtual STEM
laboratories, epitomizing the confluence with emergent 5G technologies [11]. Augmented
Reality (AR) emerges as a pivotal instrument in bridging abstract mathematical notions with the
tangibility of quotidian experiences, as showcased in fraction studies among third-grade learners
[12]. Moreover, the incorporation of gamification within VR contexts has been observed to
enhance mathematical aptitudes vis-à-vis traditional computer-assisted instruction paradigms
[13], while the reception of VR among tertiary educators is influenced by their technological
expertise and pedagogical acumen [14, 15].
   Gamification within VR realms has intimated an affirmative impact on mathematical perfor-
mance, albeit necessitating broader sample sizes to corroborate its statistical significance [16].
The promulgation of immersive VR-based geometric learning systems has been linked with an
uplift in student motivation and performance [3], and platforms such as NeoTrie VR have been
instrumental in facilitating geometric task resolution, thereby fostering cooperative and active
learner engagement [17].
   This research delineates the objective to appraise the efficacy of VR in the pedagogy of volume
calculation for prisms and straight cylinders amongst Telesecundaria students in Northern
Mexico, specifically within Tamaulipas. Mastery in computing the perimeters and areas of
regular polygons and circles, drawing from disparate data, stands as a pivotal educational
expectation within the Telesecundaria syllabus [18]. Such knowledge is imperative for the
comprehension of further mathematical concepts under the rubric of Magnitudes and Measures
and the educational axis of shape, space, and measurement. Notwithstanding, this conceptual
grasp can be elusive for some scholars, particularly those grappling with the evolution of
logical-mathematical and spatial intelligence, as postulated by psychologist Howard Gardner.
   The traditional didactic techniques geared towards area computation often hinge on rote
memorization of algorithms and formulas, an approach that may seem abstract and enigmatic
to some learners [19]. This quandary has been accentuated in the current milieu, imprinted
by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has engendered profound disruptions in global education.
As noted by the World Bank Group’s manifesto "Act now to protect the human capital of our
children," the pandemic has laid bare and intensified the educational access chasm, notably in
nations like Mexico [20]. Predominantly in its rural precincts, a significant cohort of students
battles with the paucity of technological resources and connectivity, which has engendered
substantial educational continuity interruptions, owing to their inability to partake in virtual
learning or to tap into digital educational repositories [21].
   This dichotomy has precipitated an expanding scholastic chasm between the rural and urban
student populace in Mexico, with urbanites potentially enjoying a more effective continuation of
their educational pursuits via online resources and technological means, in stark contrast to their
rural counterparts’ formidable learning impediments, this phenomenon is not unique to Mexico;
countries such as Pakistan have also witnessed a widening educational gap between their rural
and urban student populations [22]. The inequitable distribution of online educational access and
educational technologies has exacerbated pre-existing educational disparities, underscoring the
imperative for more inclusive and universally accessible pedagogical methodologies, irrespective
of geographical locale or technological accessibility [23]. Consequently, this research endeavors
to explore the feasibility of integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as Virtual Reality
(VR), alongside innovative pedagogical strategies in communities most adversely affected by
technological deprivation. Through this initiative, we aim not only to highlight the educational
benefits of such technologies but also to demonstrate that, even in rural communities and those
with limited access to advanced technologies, it is feasible to adapt and implement educational
content within the classroom setting.


2. Methods
This research employed a quasi-experimental design to compare two non-equivalent groups
of second-grade telesecundaria students within the rural municipality of Antiguo Morelos,
Tamaulipas, Mexico. Participants were selected based on their enrollment in the second school
year, aged between 12 and 13 years, representing a demographic that reflects the typical age
range for this grade level in the region. The study’s setting is notably rural, located in the
Sierra Madre Oriental, characterized by a low socioeconomic status and limited technological
resources.
   Given the natural educational environment, students were not randomized but instead
assigned to the two groups based on existing classroom divisions. The experimental group
engaged with the "Shape, Space, Magnitudes and Measurments" unit through an innovative
teaching approach utilizing Oculus Quest 2 VR headsets and the Prismath application, aiming
to enhance their understanding of calculating the perimeter and area for regular polygons and
circles.
   Conversely, the control group received instruction on the same mathematical concepts
through traditional methods outlined in the standard mathematics curriculum, ensuring that
the content remained consistent across both groups. A teacher facilitated the teaching-learning
process in both scenarios, ensuring instructional support and consistency.

2.1. Mejoredu test
To assess the impact of our pedagogical intervention, this study utilized the "Mejoredu" test, a
standardized diagnostic assessment mandated by Mexico’s Secretariat of Public Education [24].
Administered pre- and post-intervention, the test enabled a comparative analysis of student
performance across two distinct cohorts, control and experimental, offering insights into the
intervention’s effectiveness.
   The "Mejoredu" assessment, integral to Mexico’s basic education evaluation framework, is
designed to equip educators with insights into their students’ initial learning levels in key areas:
Reading, Mathematics, and Civic and Ethical Education. Targeting students entering the 2nd,
3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades of elementary school, as well as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades of
middle school, its alignment with the national educational curricula ensures that it accurately
reflects current academic standards and objectives.
   As a tool to chart academic progress, "Mejoredu" is pivotal in setting initial learning bench-
marks and pinpointing areas in need of instructional support. In the context of public health
crises, such as the Covid-19 pandemic [25], its role in guiding adaptive educational strategies
has become even more crucial, enabling targeted interventions to address emergent learning
gaps.
   Employing "Mejoredu" to evaluate mathematical understanding, especially within the "Shape,
Space, and Measurent" domain, was chosen due to its specific focus on assessing foundational
mathematical skills. This choice underpins our effort to refine teaching methods and improve the
quality of math education, ensuring students develop essential competencies in this fundamental
subject area.

2.2. Experimental procedure
The experimental procedure for this study spanned one week, with daily sessions lasting one
hour. Two groups were established: a control group and an experimental group. The focus was
on mathematical concepts such as geometric figures, magnitudes, and measurements, scheduled
from 8:50 to 9:50 AM, following the academic curriculum. The experimental group engaged
with Oculus Quest 2 VR headsets and the Prisms Math app, while the control group adhered
to conventional teaching strategies. Pre- and post-tests were conducted using the Mejoredu
assessment to evaluate the impact of virtual reality on learning mathematical topics, under a
quasi-experimental design. Eighteen participants were divided between the two groups.
   In Figures 1 and 2, the experimental group students from the tele-secondary school are
depicted engaging in practical activities using virtual reality (VR) headsets. As part of the
experimental procedure and to ensure the engagement of all participants, the visuals from
the VR headset were projected for the other students to view and indirectly participate in the
activities. This approach facilitated a collective learning experience, even for those not directly
using the VR equipment.
Figure 1: Student using Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality headsets with the Prisms Math application.


Table 1
Average scores of the thematic axis "Shape, Space, and Measurement" on the "Mejoredu" diagnostic test
                           Group        Pre-intervention   Post-intervention
                        Experimental          27.3         70.2
                          Control             30.4         57.8


3. Results
In this section, we detail the outcomes of our quasi-experimental study, which compared the
learning achievements in the "Shape, Space, and Measure" domain using virtual reality (VR)
for the experimental group against a traditional didactic sequence for the control group. The
findings, outlined in Table 1, are derived from the students’ performances on the "Mejoredu"
diagnostic test, conducted before and after the intervention. It’s important to note that the test’s
grading scale ranges from 0 to 100, providing a quantitative measure of learning outcomes.
   The descriptive statistics for both the experimental and control groups, as presented in Tables
1 and 2, provide a comprehensive overview of the performance changes before and after the
tests. In the experimental group (Table 2), there was a significant increase in the average score
from the pre-test to the post-test, rising from 27.33 to 70.22. This notable improvement is further
emphasized by the increase in both the standard deviation and the range of scores, with the
Figure 2: Telesecondary student performing mathematical calculations using the Prisms Math Math
application.


maximum score increasing from 32 in the pre-test to 85 in the post-test. The median score also
notably increased from 28 to 67.
   In contrast, the control group (Table 3) displayed a more moderate increase in average score,
from 30.44 in the pre-test to 57.89 in the post-test. While this improvement is evident, it is less
pronounced than that observed in the experimental group. The standard deviation and range
of scores also increased, but to a lesser extent, with the maximum score reaching 70 in the
post-test compared to 34 in the pre-test. The median score showed a similar trend, increasing
from 31 to 59.
   These statistics collectively suggest that while both groups showed improvement in scores
from the pre-test to the post-test, the experimental group exhibited a more substantial enhance-
ment in performance. This difference is particularly evident in the higher mean, maximum, and
median scores observed in the post-test for the experimental group.
   In our study, we have taken into account the fundamental assumptions necessary for con-
ducting a Student’s t-test. Following the guidelines established in the scientific literature, we
have verified the normality of the data and the homogeneity of variances between groups. As
indicated in the work of Kim and Park (2019)[26], the conditions required to perform a t-test
include values measured on an interval or ratio scale, simple random extraction, homogeneity
of variance, an appropriate sample size, and a normal distribution of the data. In our analysis,
the normality of the distributions was confirmed through the Shapiro-Wilk test, and the equiva-
lence of variances was validated by the Levene test, thus fulfilling the essential premises for the
Table 2
Descriptive Statistics for the Experimental Group in Pre and Post Tests
                              Metric                Pre Test   Post Test
                              Count                      9         9
                              Mean                    27.33      70.22
                              Standard Deviation       3.84      10.79
                              Minimum                   22        52
                              Maximum                   32        85
                              Median                    28        67


Table 3
Descriptive Statistics for the Control Group in Pre and Post Tests
                              Metric                Pre Test   Post Test
                              Count                      9          9
                              Mean                    30.44      57.89
                              Standard Deviation       2.65       8.40
                              Minimum                   26         45
                              Maximum                   34         70
                              Median                    31         59


application of parametric tests.
   To assess the normality of the score distributions in the tests, the Shapiro-Wilk test was
applied to the data from the pre-test and post-test for both the control group (CG) and the
experimental group (EG). The results indicated that the score distributions for the pre-test and
post-test in the control group did not significantly deviate from a normal distribution (pre-test:
W = 0.951, p = 0.705; post-test: W = 0.958, p = 0.773). Similarly, the score distributions for
the pre-test and post-test in the experimental group also conformed to a normal distribution
(pre-test: W = 0.891, p = 0.207; post-test: W = 0.953, p = 0.728). In all cases, the p-values were
above the conventional threshold of 0.05, suggesting a lack of sufficient evidence to reject the
null hypothesis that the samples come from a normally distributed population.
   To further substantiate the appropriateness of parametric tests in our analysis, an additional
test for the equivalence of variances was conducted. The Levene’s test was applied to the pre-test
and post-test scores for the control and experimental groups, aiming to verify the homogeneity
of variances between the two groups. The results of the Levene’s test for the pre-test indicated
no significant differences in variances between the groups (F(1, 16) = 1.339, p = 0.264), suggesting
that the variances of the scores prior to the intervention were equivalent across both groups.
Similarly, the results for the post-test also indicated homogeneity of variances (F(1, 16) = 0.347,
p = 0.564), confirming that the variances post-intervention were comparable.
   The absence of significant differences in variances, along with the previously obtained results
from the Shapiro-Wilk test confirming the normality of distributions, provides a solid foundation
for the use of parametric tests, such as the independent samples t-test, in our study. These
findings underscore the validity of applying parametric analyses to compare the average scores
between the control and experimental groups in both the pre-test and post-test.
   To investigate the differences in academic performance between the control group (CG) and
the experimental group (EG) before and after the intervention, an independent samples t-test
was conducted. The test results for the pre-test showed no statistically significant difference in
the average scores between the groups (t(16) = 2.00, p = 0.065). This indicates that, prior to the
intervention, the performance of students in both groups was comparable.
   In contrast, the analysis of the post-test revealed a statistically significant difference (t(16) =
-2.705, p = 0.016), suggesting that the average scores of the experimental group significantly
improved compared to the control group after the intervention. This finding suggests that
the intervention had a positive and significant impact on the performance of students in the
experimental group.
   These results underscore the effectiveness of the intervention implemented in the experimen-
tal group, as reflected in the significant improvement of their scores compared to the control
group. The absence of significant differences in the pre-test between the groups strengthens
the attribution of this change to the effect of the intervention.


4. Implications of the findings
This study underscores the significance of virtual reality as a pedagogical tool in resource-limited
and rural settings, and its potential to bridge educational gaps in mathematics. The findings
suggest that virtual reality can be an effective resource to enhance the quality and accessibility
of mathematical education, which is critical in areas where educational resources may be sparse.
   The research also highlights the need to train educators in the integration of advanced
technologies and pedagogical approaches in the classroom. The effectiveness of virtual reality
in the study was augmented by the presence of trained teachers, underscoring the necessary
synergy between technological innovation and conventional teaching methods.
   However, it is crucial to acknowledge the study’s limitations, including the lack of random
assignment and a sample confined to a specific subject area, which could introduce potential
biases in the results and limit the generalizability of the findings to other educational contexts
and subjects.
   Future research should extend the scope to larger samples and multiple subject areas. Fur-
thermore, it would be beneficial to explore how virtual reality can be effectively integrated into
the curriculum and ascertain its impact in comparable rural settings.
   Regarding practical applications, this study emphasizes the need to adopt innovative educa-
tional approaches that leverage technology, especially in underserved educational scenarios.
The results support investment in educational technology and teacher training to enhance
instruction.


5. Conclusion
This study has investigated the effectiveness of virtual reality as a pedagogical tool in teaching
mathematics at a rural secondary school in Antiguo Morelos. The data obtained indicate a
significant improvement in the performance of students exposed to virtual reality compared to
those who followed a traditional didactic sequence. This finding suggests that virtual reality
may be a valuable resource in the rural educational environment, particularly within the context
of mathematics.
   The results support the notion that virtual reality has the potential to enhance the teaching
and learning process by encouraging greater participation, interaction, and understanding of
complex mathematical concepts. Immersion in virtual environments offers students more en-
gaging and stimulating experiences, which could help overcome barriers to accessing advanced
technology in rural communities.
   However, it is important to acknowledge that while virtual reality showed promising out-
comes, it is not a panacea for all educational challenges. It must be emphasized that the presence
and support of a teacher during the teaching process with technology remain crucial for success.


Acknowledgments
We would like to extend our gratitude to CRETAM for providing the Oculus Quest 2 headsets that
were essential for conducting our experiments. A special acknowledgment goes to the authorities
and the teachers of the Telesecondary School Manuel Cavazos Lerma in the municipality of
Antiguo Morelos, Tamaulipas, whose collaboration and support have been invaluable to the
progress of this research.


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