SE Valley Times

Students at Arizona State University have found the Dreamscape Learn virtual reality biology experiences to be engaging and beneficial for academic success, according to recent data. The innovative VR lab was integrated into ASU's Biology 181 course in 2022 and is now part of both Biology 181 and 182, which are crucial for STEM majors.

Both courses incorporate 15-minute weekly VR scenarios where students solve biological problems in a virtual intergalactic wildlife sanctuary. Following this, they partake in a three-hour lab to apply solutions using scientific methods.

The Dreamscape Learn experience was developed in partnership with Dreamscape Immersive, co-founded by Hollywood figure Walter Parkes, renowned for productions like “WarGames” and “Gladiator.”

A recent study by ASU’s Action Lab analyzed over 4,000 students from fall 2022 to spring 2024. Results revealed that students provided high ratings for VR experiences, consistently scoring a median of 5 out of 5. Academic performance improved, with students achieving average grades of 90% or higher regardless of demographic background. The study also revealed a 1/4 letter grade improvement in final course grades for students who experienced Dreamscape Learn.

Annie Hale, executive director of the Action Lab, stated, “It’s a great shining star of pedagogy and curriculum coming together with advanced technology to make an experience not only engages students but provides them with a set of transferable skills that map to future courses.” Hale emphasized that improved grades signify students' growing confidence in mastering complex material, contributing to higher retention rates in Life Sciences majors.

The data showed that only 24% of students changed majors post-Dreamscape Learn, compared to 29% before its implementation. Hale pointed out, “In STEM, a 5% retention gain isn't just a number — it's more future scientists, healthcare professionals and engineers staying in a field where every mind matters.”

John VandenBrooks spoke on student engagement, highlighting that the VR and related assignments promote staying power in science majors. VandenBrooks, in collaboration with Michael Angilletta, develops course content aimed at fostering early course interventions for optimal impact.

Dreamscape Learn is also implemented in non-major courses like Biology 100, where it reportedly enhances students' "science identity." VandenBrooks explained, “In a traditional class, you might learn about what other scientists did, but our goal was to make the students solve novel problems the very first day.”

VandenBrooks addressed the potential for Dreamscape Learn to be expanded into higher-level courses, noting the importance of impacting large introductory classes first. Student engagement during VR sessions was a critical factor in learning, creating an environment of intense immersion.

Student Tyler Struver praised the experience, saying, “I thought it was a very engaging way to learn the core concepts in biology without having to focus on learning lab techniques.” She believes it could help with more advanced science concepts.

Michael Angilletta contributes to designing narratives that connect students emotionally with the material. The intention is to prepare them for lab work following VR sessions. Angilletta remarked, “We’re giving students a novel problem that there's an urgency to solve.”

ASU is expanding Dreamscape Learn to other disciplines like chemistry and astronomy and collaborating with educational institutions in California and Arizona to provide this innovative technology to more students.