Skip to main navigation menu Skip to main content Skip to site footer
Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 12 No. sp1 (2025): Recent Advances in Agriculture by Young Minds - II

Perception of agriculture students about virtual reality in learning: Empirical evidence from students' exposure to VR module on downy mildew of grapes

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.10460
Submitted
4 July 2025
Published
03-10-2025

Abstract

The study examines the perception of agricultural students at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University towards a Virtual Reality (VR) module on Downy Mildew of Grapes. The aim of the study is to assess agriculture students' perception and learning outcomes using a VR module on downy mildew of grapes. The research design was ex post facto. Students who have undertaken the VR module-downy mildew of grapes session were taken purposefully, because large number of students attended this VR module. In this research, 150 students were selected by simple random sampling method. The information was gathered from students by both telephonic and direct interviews using well-organised questionnaire. The research findings showed that students had a favourable and positive opinion towards the VR module. Also, it insists that previous experience among the students in VR and confidence in the students improve their understanding and opinion towards VR module, whereas prior experience in VR and self-confidence had significant positive association with students' perception towards VR module. This result also contains some challenges faced by the students during VR classes, like discomfort, fear, less knowledge and technical issues. It also recommended some suggestions to improve the VR classes. This concluded that the students felt VR module was effective and efficient for their education and VR helped them in order to improve their knowledge, understanding and skills.

References

  1. 1. Velev D, Zlateva P. Virtual reality challenges in education and training. Int J Learn Teach. 2017;3(1):33-7. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijlt.3.1.33-37
  2. 2. Schöne B, Kisker J, Lange L, Gruber T, Sylvester S, Osinsky R. The reality of virtual reality. Front Psychol. 2023;14:1093014. https://doi.org/10.3389fpsyg.2023.1093014
  3. 3. Fleming ND, Mills C. Not Another Inventory, Rather a Catalyst for Reflection. To Improv Acad. 1992;11:137-155. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2334-4822.1992.tb00213.x
  4. 4. Hew KF, Cheung WS. Use of three-dimensional (3-D) immersive virtual worlds in K-12 and higher education settings: A review of the research. Br J Educ Technol. 2010;41(1):33-55. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8535.2008.00900.x
  5. 5. Zhang X, Ibrahim Z, Khaskheli MB, Raza H, Zhou F, Shamsi IH. Integrative approaches to abiotic stress management in crops: Combining bioinformatics educational tools and artificial intelligence applications. Sustainability. 2024;16(17):7651. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177651
  6. 6. Kim RW, Kim JG, Lee IB, Yeo UH, Lee SY, Decano-Valentin C. Development of three-dimensional visualisation technology of the aerodynamic environment in a greenhouse using CFD and VR technology, Part 2: Development of an educational VR simulator. Biosyst Eng. 2021;207:12-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2021.02.018
  7. 7. Yu F, Zhang JF, Zhao Y, Zhao JC, Tan C, Luan RP. The research and application of virtual reality (VR) technology in agriculture science. In: Li D, Zhao C, editors. Computer and Computing Technologies in Agriculture III: Third IFIP TC 12 International Conference, CCTA 2009, Beijing, China, Revised Selected Papers. Berlin Heidelberg. Springer. 2010. p. 546–550. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-12220-0_79
  8. 8. Nguyen A, Francis M, Windfeld E, Lhermie G, Kim K. Developing an immersive virtual farm simulation for engaging and effective public education about the dairy industry. Comput Graph. 2024;118:173-83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cag.2023.12.011
  9. 9. Stephens R, Awasthi A, Crowley K, Boyle F, Walsh J. Developing a virtual reality training system for agricultural machinery. In Iceri proceedings, IATED. 2022;8650-865. https://doi.org/10.21125/iceri.2022.2292
  10. 10. Carruth DW, Hudson C, Fox AA, Deb S. User interface for an immersive virtual reality greenhouse for training precision agriculture. In: International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction. Springer Int Publ. 2020;35-46. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-49698-2_3
  11. 11. He JH, Huang XL, Han GX, Liang YS, He XQ. An empirical study on the influencing factors of learning motivation in VR educational games. E-Educ Res . 2019;40(8):70-7.
  12. 12. He JH, Liang RN, Xiao X, Liang YS, Han GX. The design of learning evaluation index system based on immersive virtual reality system. E-Educ Res. 2018;39(3):75-81.
  13. 13. Lan GS, Guo Q, Jiacai W, Yang X, Yu Y, Chen J. 5g+ Intelligent Technology: building a new ecosystem of intelligent education in the intelligent+ era. J Dist Educ . 2019;252(3):3-16.
  14. 14. Yu Y, Zhang G, Zhang H. Exploration and analysis on the feasibility of VR panoramic technology applied to practical training teaching in colleges and universities. Adv Appl Sociol. 2021;11(8):350-6. https://doi.org/10.4236/aasoci.2021.118032
  15. 15. Greig JA, Colclasure B, Rampold S, Ruth T, Granberry T. Enhancing agricultural education through virtual reality: Facilitation, application, reflection and measurement in the classroom. Adv Agric Dev. 2024;31;5(2):64-80. https://doi.org/10.37433/aad.v5i2.353
  16. 16. Sumanpreet Kaur. Students’ perception and preferences for online education during Covid - 19 pandemic. CCS Haryana Agricultural University. Hisar. Haryana. 2022.
  17. 17. Ashwin Rithe. A study on perception of the participating farmers about sustainability of natural resource management under Integrated watershed management programme in Sirmour block of Rewa districts (M.P.). Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vidyalaya. Jabalpur. Madhya Pradesh. 2014.
  18. 18. Anjali CA. A study on the perception of employees towards total quality management at Mooply CL factory of Harrisons Malayalam Limited. College of Co-operation, Banking and Management, Kerala Agricultural University. Thrissur.Kerala. 2016.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.