| dc.description.abstract | Abstract
Simulators have for decades been used in maritime education enabling trainees to train
and learn, in realistic scenarios in a safe, reliable, and cost-effective way. The software and
hardware technology for these simulators is ever evolving, providing increased immersion
and higher fidelity for the user. Nevertheless, in the last decade virtual reality (VR) and head
mounted display (HMD) technology has been focused on by researchers and practitioners in
maritime education and training (MET) as a low cost and easily accessible alternative to
highly advanced and costly navigation simulators. However, a novel type of simulator
technology that has not been exploited in MET is immersive HMD extended reality (XR)
tours used as a learning tool.
To investigate immersed HMD XR tours within MET, a between group experiment was
conducted to measure effects between an immersed group (n=18) using immersed HMD
technology and a non-immersed group (n=18) using non-immersed traditional desktop
technology to teach nautical students GMDSS radio equipment’s main data. Results found
that there was no significant learning effect for the immersed HMD XR tour group, compared
to the non-immersed desktop group (p= .430), however, significance in motivation p= .035
and significance in engagement p= .041 was found. Although there was lack of support in
learning effect, the immersed HMD XR tours still have sizeable potential to become a
learning tool to enhancing motivation and engagement | |