VR’s Role in Shaping Technological Perceptions Among First-Year Students

This study investigates the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) in enhancing the university onboarding experience. To this end, we developed the UMVerse VR Experience, an immersive virtual replica of the University of Miami (UM) campus. This longitudinal study, employing a pre-post-delayed test design, aims to assess the short- and long-term impact of VR on student behavior and perceptions.

Over 350 students have already participated in the study, with several hundred more expected to do so by the end of semester. Through the UMVerse VR Experience, students can virtually explore the campus, engage with historical and cultural aspects of UM, and participate in simulated social interactions.

The study will examine the following research questions:

1. Does the VR experience influence students’ spatial knowledge of the campus and their intent to explore physical spaces?

2. How do students perceive the potential of embedding VR technology in their classes?

3. Does the VR experience impact students’ perceptions of UM’s brand image and evoke positive affective responses?

This study seeks to contribute to the growing body of literature on the application of VR in higher education and to provide empirical evidence for the potential benefits of immersive technologies in enhancing student experiences and outcomes.