CMU’s VR-incorporated approach that transforms learning
Technological advancement is crucial to the country’s development, especially in terms of education provision, which should not only focus on teaching but also incorporating new technologies to increase the capacity, create a diverse learning experience and promote necessary skills for the 21st century. CMU responded to the challenge of the 4.0 era by incorporating the virtual reality technology into the active learning approach, in which learners acquire the experience from virtually simulated situations, leading to an understanding of the results of decision-making and business design and a complete integration of learning.
Assoc Prof Dr Siriwut Buranapin, Former Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration, initiated the idea of incorporating the VR technology into the virtual learning materials in both undergraduate and postgraduate teachings. It is essential for business students to know the entrepreneurship process, before getting into the theoretical aspect. They must have the opportunities to observe four types of business - manufacturing, service, trading and startup. The VR technology is used in all four departments: Management and Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Finance and Accountancy, with a total of 26 pieces of content built from real business lessons in the forms of site visits and case studies. The lessons are designed for teaching use and will be able to accommodate swift changes occurring in the future. The provided questions and exercises allow the learners to develop their skills and learning on specific issues throughout the lessons. The online content, the software and connective devices extend the learning experience beyond sight and sound and such an exciting, challenging and enriching learning experience results in the development of students to their full capacity.
Not only does the VR technology enhance learning, it also addresses the challenges of taking students on site visits and finding business sites that can accommodate a large number of students, as well as reducing the risks from traveling or the spread of COVID-19. However, this learning approach may not be suitable for students with health issues, particularly those with visual impairments.
Promoting technology and innovation integration into teaching has always been a great interest of the University, as it is a vital tool for the improvement of education quality which is ready to accommodate the diversity of learning in the digital age. This serves as a model for teaching and learning development, building core skills for practical application in the working world and the growth of the future global community.