Virtual Reality as an E-Learning tool in the student-centered vehicle development project "proTRon"

Abstract

Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly being used in many engineering disciplines. This paper presents the practical use of an e-learning tool for project-based learning in higher education in the context of a student-centered, industrial-sized project. The benefits and challenges of VR technology in education are examined. The paper briefly outlines the advantages of its practical application in education as well as in the professional industry. In conclusion the paper argues that VR applications can be useful in improving effectiveness and efficiency in existent processes, but have to be designed with care in order to achieve the desired effects in the long term.