Developing logical steps to integrate technical university students into the virtual reality laboratory learning environment

. Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a groundbreaking tool in the realm of technical higher education, paving avenues for immersive and interactive learning experiences. Developed nations have capitalized on this technology, showcasing remarkable advancements in VR labs' implementation. However, integrating such innovations in developing countries requires a distinct approach, taking into account their unique challenges. This article delves into the experiences of developed nations, elucidates the challenges faced by developing countries, and proposes a tailored roadmap to navigate the path to successful VR lab integration.


Introduction
The digitization wave sweeping across the educational landscape has brought forth technologies that have revolutionized learning methodologies.One such promising technology is Virtual Reality (VR), which promises to blur the boundaries between the physical and digital realms, offering students an engaging and immersive learning environment.In technical higher education, especially, the precision and practical training that VR labs offer hold the potential to redefine traditional pedagogies [6][7][8][9][10][11][12].
Developed nations, being at the forefront of technological advancements, have set benchmarks in harnessing VR's capabilities.Their institutions have witnessed enhanced retention rates, amplified student participation, and improved practical skills, attributes directly linked to VR lab experiences.Yet, as the adage goes, "One size doesn't fit all."The blueprint that has worked for developed nations might not be directly transferrable to developing countries due to diverse socioeconomic, infrastructural, and cultural factors [16].
This article seeks to address this very disparity.By undertaking a methodological approach that reviews the VR lab experiences of countries at the vanguard of technological integration, we aim to derive insights that could guide developing nations in their VR adoption journey.Drawing from these experiences and supported by quantitative data, our research endeavours to shed light on the challenges developing countries might encounter.Subsequently, we suggest a holistic approach, tailored for these nations, to ensure that the marvel of VR becomes an accessible and transformative tool for all [37,28,44].
To establish an understanding of how VR laboratories are assimilated into technical higher education, this research undertook a comparative study between developed and developing countries.Three representative developed countries were chosen for this analysis: the United States, Germany, and Japan.

United States Experience and Implementation:
The U.S., with its reputation for pioneering technological advancement in education, emerges as an exemplar in the VR domain.Institutions of high repute like MIT and Stanford have not only established VR laboratories but are also at the forefront of pedagogical innovations utilizing VR.

Germany Experience and Implementation:
Germany's commendable strides in engineering education naturally extend to the realm of VR.Premier technical institutions, such as TU Munich, have adopted VR as a pivotal tool to simulate authentic engineering challenges.

Japan Experience and Implementation:
Japan's ascendancy in technological education extends to its adoption of VR.Flagship universities like the University of Tokyo have carved a niche by focusing their VR labs on avant-garde areas like robotics and artificial intelligence.This bar chart illustrates the percentage of technical universities in the United States, Germany, and Japan that have successfully integrated fully functional VR laboratories.For the U.S., an additional percentage represents institutions in the planning or piloting stages.The data underscores the rapid adoption of VR labs in higher education, with Germany leading the pack [46][47][48][49][50].

Fig.2. Impact of VR Laboratories on Educational
Outcomes by Country This column chart portrays the positive impact of VR laboratories on various educational outcomes across the three nations.For the U.S., we observe a 15% enhancement in retention rates when subjects are instructed via VR labs.Germany sees a 20% edge in practical skills for students trained in VR settings, while Japan enjoys an 18% uptick in student participation in VR-enhanced courses.These figures emphasize the tangible benefits of integrating VR technologies into technical education [32].

Methodology
To gain a holistic understanding of the integration of virtual reality (VR) laboratories in technical higher education institutions, we adopted a mixed-method approach.This methodology was rooted in both qualitative and quantitative paradigms, providing a comprehensive analysis of the VR laboratories' efficacy in fostering advanced learning.We opted for a case study methodology to gain indepth insights into the integration processes and benefits of VR labs in selected developed countries.These countries include the United States, Germany, and Japan, each showcasing unique experiences: -United States: The U.S. experience offered a pioneering approach, particularly with institutions like MIT and Stanford leading in innovations.The journey of integration, the challenges faced, and the resultant benefits were studied through interviews and reviewing institutional reports.
-Germany: Renowned for its robust engineering education, Germany's aggressive assimilation of VR, especially in institutions like TU Munich, was assessed.Evaluative methods involved interaction with educators and VR program designers.
-Japan: Japan's technological edge was evaluated through its flagship institutions, emphasizing robotics and AI within VR laboratories.The methodology involved reviewing academic reports and surveys.

Quantitative Analysis: Statistical Data Collection:
Emphasis was laid on obtaining quantifiable data that could exhibit the extent of VR labs' integration and their tangible benefits: -Percentage of Institutions with VR Labs: Data was gathered on the percentage of institutions with fully functional VR labs and those in planning or piloting phases.
-Enhancement in Learning Outcomes: Data collection focused on enhancement rates, be it in retention rates, practical skills, or participation.

Results
From the comprehensive evaluation of the integration and utilization of VR labs in leading nations like the United States, Germany, and Japan, several key insights can be discerned [48 ; 50]: 1. Ubiquitous Adoption: The statistics unequivocally indicate a significant trend towards the incorporation of VR labs across higher education institutions in these developed nations.The United States, with 42% of its institutions harnessing VR capabilities, stands as a testament to its steady commitment.Germany, with a remarkable 60% adoption rate, showcases its proactive approach in leveraging cutting-edge technology for educational enhancement.Japan, not far behind, registers at a 50% implementation rate, emphasizing its consistent innovation in technological pedagogies.
2. Elevated Academic Achievements: The qualitative impact of these VR labs is just as compelling as their widespread adoption.The U.S. has witnessed a notable 15% surge in retention rates when subjects are taught through VR mediums.German students, trained within the VR ecosystem, demonstrated a 20% edge in their practical skill sets compared to their peers who underwent traditional training.Japan observed a motivating trend where an additional 18% of students were drawn to courses that incorporated VR laboratories, underscoring the technology's allure and its potential to enhance engagement.

Commitment to Infrastructure and Funding:
The successful integration of VR labs in these nations is not just a result of technological enthusiasm but also a reflection of their dedicated investments.Financial allocations, infrastructural developments, and policy frameworks in these countries have been orchestrated to support the proliferation of VR in academia.This robust backing underscores the weightage these nations place on immersive learning experiences and their vision for future-ready educational environments.
Such insights underscore the transformative potential of VR labs in reshaping the educational landscapes of developed nations.The lessons drawn from their experiences can serve as invaluable blueprints for developing nations charting their own VR journeys.

Discussion
While the benefits of VR labs in technical higher education are clear from the experiences of developed nations, the journey to implementation for developing nations presents unique challenges: 1. Infrastructure and Funding: Unlike developed nations with vast resources, many developing countries might lack the financial and infrastructural capability to establish high-end VR labs.Solutions could involve seeking international partnerships, and grants, or adopting cost-effective VR solutions tailored for educational purposes.
2. Customized Curriculum Development: Importing VR content from developed nations might not always be culturally or contextually relevant.Developing nations would need to invest in creating VR content that aligns with their curriculum and resonates with their sociocultural nuances.4. Pilot Programs: Given the resource constraints, it might be prudent for developing nations to start with pilot programs.These pilots can serve as testbeds, offering valuable lessons before a full-scale rollout.
5. Collaborative Learning Environments: Given the communal and often group-centric learning approaches in many developing countries, VR labs should be designed to facilitate collaborative and interactive learning experiences.
6. Feedback and Iterative Implementation: Feedback mechanisms need to be robust.Early adopters in developing nations should be encouraged to share their experiences, challenges, and solutions to create a knowledge base for future implementations.

Conclusion
The potential of Virtual Reality (VR) in redefining the contours of technical higher education is irrefutable.As illustrated by the experiences of developed nations like the United States, Germany, and Japan, the integration of VR labs in academic institutions not only enhances learning outcomes but also pioneers a transformative approach to pedagogy.
For developing nations, the journey to such technological integration might be paved with challenges, but it is far from insurmountable.These challenges, ranging from financial constraints to infrastructural deficits, can indeed be opportunities in disguise.By adopting a phased and iterative approach to VR integration, developing countries can pilot and refine their strategies, ensuring a more tailored and impactful implementation.
Moreover, partnerships can play a pivotal role.Collaborations with tech companies, international educational institutions, and non-profit organizations can open doors to shared resources, knowledge, and expertise.Such synergies can fast-track the process of VR lab establishment, bringing state-of-the-art learning experiences to students in these nations sooner than anticipated.
It is also worth noting the transformative potential of VR beyond the immediate academic outcomes.By immersing students in simulated real-world environments, VR labs can foster soft skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork-skills that are paramount in the rapidly evolving 21st-century job market.
Lastly, as VR technology continues to advance, so will its accessibility and affordability.With tech companies continually innovating and launching more cost-effective solutions, the dream of a global VRpowered education system is closer than it might seem.
In summary, while the path for developing nations to integrate VR labs into their technical higher education institutions might require meticulous planning, adaptability, and collaboration, the rewards, both immediate and long-term, are profound.Embracing VR is not just about adopting a new technology; it's about envisioning a future where education is more interactive, engaging, and aligned with the dynamic needs of the global economy.
Statistics and Impact:-Japan's Ministry of Education divulged that 50% of its technical universities have invested in complete VR laboratory setups[43][44][45].-Anintriguing survey from Kyoto University in 2021 noted an 18% uptick in student engagement in classes augmented by VR labs [33-42.]

Fig. 3 .
Fig.3.The process of methodology 1. Qualitative Analysis: Case Study Approach:We opted for a case study methodology to gain indepth insights into the integration processes and benefits of VR labs in selected developed countries.These

3 .
Training and Skill Development: The technological prowess seen in developed nations is underpinned by extensive training programs.Developing countries would need to focus on training their educators to harness VR's potential fully.