Enhancing Students' Understanding of Earth's Spatial Relationships Using Virtual Reality: A Case Study of Secondary Schools in Nyamasheke District, Rwanda

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) software simulations in enhancing students’ understanding of Earth's spatial relationships in secondary schools. It focused on the perspectives of geography teachers in Nyamasheke District and assessed the integration of VR technology into classrooms and its impact on student achievement. The objectives were to assess the effectiveness of VR-based teaching practices, explore geography teachers' perspectives on integrating VR in geography education, and evaluate the impact of VR simulations on students' academic performance in Earth Science. The research was guided by Constructivist Learning Theory. A descriptive research design was adopted to provide a detailed overview of VR simulation usage in schools. The target population consisted of 116 geography teachers from secondary schools in Nyamasheke District. A census sampling method was used to collect data from the entire population. Data were collected through structured questionnaires comprising closed and open-ended questions and Likert scales. Interviews were conducted with teachers to generate qualitative data. Secondary data were sourced from government education reports and documentation from the Nyamasheke District Education Unit. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23.0, employing descriptive statistics (e.g., frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations) and multiple regression analysis to examine the relationship between VR technology use and student achievement. Qualitative data from interviews was analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that VR simulations were highly effective in enhancing students' understanding of Earth's spatial relationships. Immersiveness (r = .953, p < .001), interactivity (r = .874, p < .001), accessibility (r = .909, p < .001), and visual representation (r = .927, p < .001) were significantly correlated with improved conceptual understanding, spatial reasoning skills, and engagement. Geography teachers highlighted that 47% strongly agreed and 40% agreed that VR simulations improved teaching practices, while 53% strongly agreed and 37% agreed that VR enhanced student engagement. Challenges included insufficient infrastructure, reported by 47% as strongly agreed, and inadequate teacher training, indicated by 46% strongly agreeing. In conclusion, VR simulations significantly enhanced students’ conceptual understanding, spatial reasoning, and engagement, making them a valuable tool for improving Earth Science education. However, challenges such as the lack of proper infrastructure, high costs, and insufficient training must be addressed. The study recommended that schools invest in VR technology infrastructure and provide comprehensive training for teachers to maximize its potential. Policymakers should prioritize funding and technical support to integrate VR into Rwanda's education system. Future researchers were encouraged to explore the long-term impact of VR simulations on academic performance across other STEM subjects and develop cost-effective strategies to scale VR technology in resource-constrained schools.