Exploring Students’ Perceptions of Virtual Reality in Tourism Education Through the Technology Acceptance Model

Öz

This study investigated the usability of virtual reality applications in tourism education in the context of a virtual reality headset (VR headset). Qualitative research methods were used in this study, with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) providing the theoretical infrastructure. Data collected from 25 students using a semi-structured questionnaire were analysed using content analysis. The results of the study show that the use of the VR headset as a supporting tool in tourism courses has a positive impact on learning styles, provides experiential and visual learning opportunities, and offers advantages in terms of flexibility and accessibility. In addition, students are very satisfied with the use of the VR headset in their courses and find it easy to use. In conclusion, VR headsets have the potential to contribute to the academic success of tourism students.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Technology
• Virtual reality
• Tourism
• Tourism education
• Student

Teknoloji Kabul Modeli Aracılığıyla Turizm Eğitiminde Öğrencilerin Sanal Gerçeklik Algılarının İncelenmesi

Öz

Bu çalışma sanal gerçeklik uygulamalarının turizm eğitiminde kullanılabilirliğini bir sanal gerçeklik gözlüğü (VR gözlük) ile deneyimsel olarak test etmektedir. Çalışmada nitel araştırma yöntemleri kullanılmıştır ve Teknoloji Kabul Modeli (TAM) teorik altyapıyı sağlamıştır. Yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu kullanılarak 25 öğrenciden toplanan veriler içerik analizi ile analiz edilmiştir. Çalışmanın bulguları VR gözlüğün turizm derslerinde destekleyici bir araç olarak kullanılmasının öğrenme stilleri üzerinde olumlu bir etkisi olabileceğini, deneyimsel ve görsel öğrenme fırsatları sağlama potansiyelinin olduğunu, esneklik ve erişilebilirlik açısından avantajlar sunduğunu göstermektedir. Ayrıca öğrenciler derslerde VR gözlüğün kullanımını kolay bulmaktadır. Son olarak VR başlıklar turizm öğrencilerinin akademik başarılarına katkıda bulunma potansiyeline sahiptir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Teknoloji
• Sanal gerçeklik
• Turizm
• Turizm eğitimi
• Öğrenci

Kaynakça

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