Prototype VR Framework for Visualization and Interaction in STEM &
Math Instruction

Magesh Chandramouli1 , Vikram Puri2 , Chung Van Le2

(1. Purdue University Northwest, USA; 2. Duy Tan University, Vietnam)

Abstract: Interactive VR (Virtual Reality)-based tools can be an effective tool in stimulating interest and reducing cognitive load. Designing the instructional modules in a fun-based interactive desktop VR setting can motivate students to explore new ways to interact with the materials presented. Some of the major underlying STEM and computational thinking concepts involve abstraction, expressions, remixing, and iteration. Students STEM and computational thinking disciplines are employed by a wide range of companies as well as academic programs. While this signifies numerous opportunities for students, it also inherently involves the challenge of preparing students suitably for these opportunities. To assist interactive pedagogy, this study uses a student-focused, user-friendly Virtual Environment (VE) to explain mathematics and computational thinking concepts. The proposed methods may in this framework may offer insights into the use of virtual reality based tools and instructional practices to strengthen STEM education and augment overall computational thinking knowledge.

Key words: virtual reality, desktop VR, computational thinking, mathematics instruction