Are Spatial Visualization Abilities Relevant to Virtual Reality? 1 Are Spatial Visualization Abilities Relevant to Virtual Reality?

This study aims to investigate the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based learning environment on learners of different spatial visualization abilities. The findings of the aptitude-by-treatment interaction study have shown that learners benefit most from the Guided VR mode, irrespective of their spatial visualization abilities. This indicates that the VR-based learning environment is able to serve as a promising medium to accommodate individual differences in terms of this aptitude. Keywords: virtual reality, spatial visualization ability, aptitude-by-treatment interaction, learning environment Are Spatial Visualization Abilities Relevant to Virtual Reality? Aptitude-by-treatment interaction (ATI) research investigates the effects of learner aptitudes and traits on learning outcomes from different forms of instruction (Cronbach & Snow, 1969; Berliner & Cahen, 1973). The major assumption of this kind of research is that it is possible and desirable to adapt the nature of instruction to accommodate individual differences i