Investigating Trainee Perspectives on Virtual Reality Environments: An In-Depth Examination of Immersive Experiences with Haptic Feedback Vibration

This research investigates trainee reflections on Virtual Reality Environments (VREs) within educational training centers, aiming to understand their experiences, perceptions, and preferences. The study focuses on the impact of haptic feedback vibrations, examining both their general effects during VRE interactions and the specific influence of adaptable vibration configurations triggered by user errors. A convenience sample of 81 participants/trainees, 41 from the computer science and 40 from the aviation engineering departments of a major higher education institution in the U.A.E., was used to run four variations of the same VRE, with two from each field. Results indicate that participants largely embraced the VRE experience, reporting feelings of contentment, joy, and competence. Haptic feedback, particularly in non-adaptable forms, was acknowledged as enhancing the immersive experience. However, the study suggests that further research is needed to explore the nuanced role of adaptable vibration, especially in more complex interactions. Notably, participants expressed a preference for a blended approach, advocating for both VREs and physical labs in their training. The study acknowledges limitations, such as the predominantly single-user focus, and recommends future research extensions into collaborative VRE settings, more intricate interactions, and potential technical issues in multi-user scenarios. Overall, this research sheds light on the evolving landscape of educational training, emphasizing the importance of understanding trainee perspectives to optimize the integration of VREs in learning environments.