Assessment of the effectiveness of virtual reality applications in art history course as a learning model (An example of Erciyes University Architecture & Fine Arts Faculties)

This study aims to identify the effect of virtual reality applications used as a learning model in the art history courses of Fine Arts and Architecture faculties on students? achievement and retention scores. To this end, pre-test, post-test, follow-up retention test and non-equivalent control group experimental design were adopted in the research. The piloted virtual reality application included the photographs, three-dimensional computer model, panoramic and interactive image files of Süleymaniye Complex (Külliye- Islamic social complex) which was chosen as a sample and the three-dimensional game engine prepared for this application. Beside the tests of achievement applied to the test and experiment groups, attitude scale is applied to the experiment group students of Faculty of Architecture and Fine Arts.The findings have demonstrated that Virtual Reality method is superior to the traditional method in terms of achievement and retention scores. These results were obtained by the statistical comparison of pre-test/post-test achievement and retention scores and interpretation of the attitude scale given to the experimental group. The results of the attitude experiment applied to the experiment group students of both faculties show us that most of the students are fond of using virtual reality application and technologies as both a learning model and a complementary element of art history classes. The research may contribute to the solution of possible problems which might be encountered in the integration of virtual reality applications and technologies to art history curriculum in the future. In the preparation process, this may lead researchers who are willing to prepare educational materials using virtual reality and similar information technologies.Keywords: Virtual reality, learning model, art history course, computer aided education.