Lifeliqe’s capacity to improve engagement and learning in science classes has been celebrated by a number of teachers from all around the world. In addition to this praise, the learning value of Lifeliqe’s products have been observed by university researchers. The research team of Dr. Richard Lamb (University of Buffalo), focusing on the use of cognitive strategies in science classrooms, included the Lifeliqe VR app in their investigation. The results were clear: Lifeliqe improves the cognitive skills of students. The complete article was published in the Computers & Education journal (vol. 124, September 2018) and it’s available online at the ScienceDirect site.
Dr. Lamb’s team centered its attention to the use of a video lecture, Virtual Reality (VR), Serious Educational Games (SEGs) and hands on activities. The scientific method used in the research is called neuroimaging. This means that the team measured the level of brain response in students, based on the observation of blood flow. Thanks to the functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), it was possible to identify the localization and intensity of this response inside the students’ brains. In order to assure the objectivity of the outcomes, the concepts applied while working with Lifeliqe VR were identical to those applied in each of the other learning activities involved in this research.
The immersive Lifeliqe Virtual Reality environment was used for the research, specifically the process of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication. The model of DNA replication was first shown to the students at different scales (micro- and macro-). Then the students interacted with the model, moving enzymes, pairing acid bases, manipulating the DNA molecule, etc. The concepts applied while working with Lifeliqe VR, were identical to those applied in each of the other learning activities, involved in this research, in order to assure the objectivity of the outcomes.
Dr. Lamb also dedicates his scientific interest to other aspects of the use of VR. As a former member of the military, he takes advantage of his experience with post-combat policing and investigating solutions to lower conflict. Alongside with the previously-mentioned investigation about VR’s influence on students‘ cognitive skills, he centered his attention also to the use of VR for treatment of PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder). We hope Dr. Lamb will have many new valuable findings in his future VR research projects!