Researchers at the University of Burgos (UBU), Iraya Yánez Pérez and Radu Bogdan Toma, have completed final tests of ViReal4STEM, a virtual reality application intended to raise secondary students' interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), especially among girls. The application is aimed at students aged 13 to 18 and lets them explore hypothetical scenarios and picture a future in a STEM career.
The app is in a pilot stage: testing is finished and the team plans to move on to an implementation phase in schools.
How it works
ViReal4STEM places students in different professional STEM scenarios where they interact with objects and carry out scientific practices to solve problems. The test session used standalone VR headsets with handheld controllers, identified from the published photo as Meta Quest 3 units. Scenarios include non-player characters with voiced dialogue.
Test session
The application was tried out in the Aula del Futuro of UBU's Faculty of Education in Burgos. In a two-hour session, secondary students from Colegio MM Concepcionistas de Burgos used the tool and gave feedback on ease of use and their experience.
- The students' response was reported as very positive, with the story, graphics and scenario activities singled out.
- Suggested improvements were minor: easier interaction with some objects and more even volume across character voices.
What comes next
After applying the adjustments, the research team will begin implementing the resource in schools to evaluate its impact on STEM vocations. The work is part of an Erasmus+ project coordinated by the University of Burgos, running from January 2025 to December 2027, and funded in Spain through SEPIE, the Spanish Service for the Internationalisation of Education.
