VRIOTS: Design and development of an immersive virtual reality platform for Internet of Things education

Abstract

The integration of virtual reality (VR) into educational settings has shown significant potential in enhancing learning experiences, particularly in complex fields such as Internet of Things (IoT). This paper presents the design and development of VRIOTS, a VR-based learning platform aimed at providing students with hands-on experience in IoT projects without the need for expensive physical hardware. The platform simulates real-world IoT environments, allowing students to interact with virtual devices and systems, thereby improving their understanding, retention, and practical skills. Using an Agile development methodology and iterative user testing with 35 participants, we evaluated learning engagement through a user engagement scale and pre-post knowledge tests. The findings demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge retention, learning engagement, and task completion rate. Moreover, it was shown that VR-based learning not only enhances knowledge retention and student learning engagement but also makes IoT education more accessible and cost-effective. This research highlights the importance of VR in overcoming the limitations of traditional learning methods and preparing students for future careers in the IoT and related fields.