Lessons Learned from Teaching Astronomy with Virtual Reality

Abstract: We report on the initial phase of an ongoing, multi-stage investigation of how to incorporate Virtual Reality (VR) technology in teaching introductory astronomy concepts. Our goal was to compare the efficacy of VR vs. conventional teaching methods using one specific topic, Moon phases and eclipses. After teaching this topic to an ASTRO 101 lecture class, students were placed into three groups to experience one of three additional activities: supplemental lecture, "hands-on" activity, or VR experience. All students were tested before and after their learning activity. Although preliminary, our results can serve as a useful guide to expanding the role of VR in the astronomy classroom.