Exploring the Cognitive Load Effects of Diverse Virtual Reality Interaction Methods in Interactive Educational Platforms

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of different input controls, specifically drag-and-drop and virtual keyboard, within Virtual Reality (VR) interactive learning environments. It involved 40 coding novices who were instructed to use our VR platform for constructing an algorithm to navigate a robot through a maze, utilizing either drag-and-drop or virtual keyboard input. The researchers gauged participants' cognitive load through subjective, and objective measures. The results showed that drag-and-drop method demonstrated lower cognitive load compared to the virtual keyboard method, as evidenced by fewer gestures, and lower reported mental effort. Furthermore, the study assessed participants' intrinsic motivation towards the system’s output visualization, which garnered positive feedback.