WIP: By Students, for Students: Development of Custom Virtual Reality Applications for Teaching and Learning in Engineering Courses

This innovative practice WIP paper explores a novel approach to create customized. Developing custom applications for engineering education is a significant hurdle for the widespread adoption of VR in class. The study presents a strategy where multidisciplinary teams of students in senior design projects design and develop VR applications for teaching Machine Design for the Mechanical Engineering program at Penn State University. The methodology involves collaborative efforts between Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science students, guided by instructors and project sponsors (a director of learning experience design and an associate professor in charge of the Machine Design course). Through the utilization of Unity software and pedagogical guidance, teams embark on a design journey, integrating machine design instruction with learner experience design principles. Two iterations of a VR application for Machine Design course have been successfully developed, offering immersive experiences ranging from fixing a hospital bed mechanism to time-traveling assembly tasks. Evaluations demonstrate the efficacy of VR-enhanced learning, showcasing improved student engagement and conceptual understanding of the course. The scalability and sustainability of this approach are highlighted, underscoring its potential for broader application across engineering disciplines. By fostering student-driven innovation and iterative improvement, this study lays a foundation for leveraging VR technology to enrich engineering education, paving the way for continuous advancement and enhancement in teaching and learning practices. This study provides evidence that VR application in the machine design course improved student engagement, enhanced conceptual understanding, and increased student exposure to interacting with VR technology.