KEMRI-Wellcome Trust’s experience of engaging students in Kilifi County
Virtual reality (VR) has been extensively utilised in the gaming, marketing, and education sectors, particularly in developed countries. However, the technology needs to be adopted more widely in sub-Saharan Africa. Touted as the next frontier in science communication, the VR experience of research laboratories presents a promising tool for engaging young adults in science.
Methodology
- We piloted a virtual reality video tour of laboratories to enhance science engagement among high school students in rural areas such as Kilifi.
- Fourteen students from Kilifi schools were invited to tour the KWTRP research laboratories and complete a baseline survey to assess their understanding of the research.
- The students’ feedback from the tour shaped the script for a VR video showcasing the research laboratories.
- VR experts assisted in producing a 10-minute VR tour of the various sections of the KWTRP labs.
- The video explains the research in each section, demonstrates experiments, and provides interesting facts about various scientific discoveries.
- Subsequently, the VR video was reviewed by a range of stakeholders, including students and teachers, and a survey was conducted to determine whether it enhanced students’ scientific understanding.
Outcomes
- Most students had not yet used virtual reality equipment, although they had seen videos on phones or televisions.
- The students involved in the review reported that they enjoyed the VR video.
- They expressed that the VR experience made them feel as though they were physically touring the laboratories.
- Moreover, we observed a significant increase in the students’ understanding of KWTRP and the research topics showcased in the VR video after viewing it, compared to the baseline.
Conclusion
Virtual reality provides flexible, easily scalable tools for scientific engagement, particularly for younger audiences.