Abstract
Experiential learning is dubbed as a highly effective way to enhance learning. Virtual reality (VR) is thus a helpful tool in providing a safe, memorable, and interactive learning environment. A class of 49 fluid mechanics students participated in starting up a pump, one of the most used equipment in the chemical industry, in VR. They experience the process in VR to familiarize themselves with the safety training and the standard operating procedure (SOP) in guided mode. Students subsequently observe their peers (in groups of 4 to 5) complete the same training. The training first brings each user through the personal protection equipment (PPE) selection, before guiding them through a series of steps to conduct the pre-checks, line-up, pump priming and final pump startup, whilst simultaneously giving visual cues on the use of VR controllers. Following this, students then individually complete the VR assessment for pump startup, which requires students to complete the same series of steps, without any cues given in VR to test their recollection rate. While most students miss out a few minor steps such as the checking of lubrication oil, all the students scored full marks in the PPE selection, and over 80% of the students were able to complete all the critical steps that are required to startup a pump safely. In the survey conducted, students reported that the VR experience has been enjoyable and enriching. This reinforces the positive impact VR has on learning and retention.
Presenters
Swee Kun YapLecturer, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, North East, Singapore Sachin Vinayak Jangam
National University of Singapore Suraj Vasudevan
Senior Lecturer, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Experiential Learning, Learning By Doing, Pump, Unit Operations, Virtual Reality
