Using Virtual Reality Simulations to Encourage Reflective Learning in Construction Workers

Abstract

Improvement of work safety measures and trainings are important elements to enhance the sensibility for hazardous situations and decrease work accidents. Virtual reality (VR) simulation-based trainings have been shown to be a promising approach to support experience-based learning, as the virtual environments can simulate realistic work environments. To investigate to which extent reflective learning can be supported by using VR simulations, this exploratory study combines a VR simulation on a construction site with subsequent semi-structured interviews to induce reflections in participants. Results of the qualitative content analysis show, that a reflection process about work safety aspects benefits from combining VR simulation with a subsequent interview. Numerous reflections on the content of the simulation coupled to own past (real-life) experience were induced, indicating the tested combination to be a promising learning approach to teach work safety aspects that may help to raise the awareness about work safety at construction sites.