Evaluating the effectiveness of a virtual reality-based training method for basic scuba diving skills
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15561/26649837.2025.0204Keywords:
Virtual Reality, scuba diving, diving training, basic skills, learning technologyAbstract
Background and Study Aim. Traditional scuba diving training often faces challenges in creating a safe and effective environment for beginners. Virtual reality (VR) technology offers a more interactive simulation to improve basic diving skills before participants dive into the real environment. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of VR-based training methods compared to traditional training methods in improving basic diving skills in beginners. Material and Methods. This study used a two-group pretest-posttest experimental design, with 64 university students (aged 17-19 years) randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 32) and a control group (n = 32). The experimental group attended scuba diving training using VR, while the control group received traditional training involving classroom sessions and pool exercises. For 12 weeks, the experimental group also received 60 minutes of scuba diving training once a week. Diving skills were measured before and after the intervention using a basic diving skills test. Data analysis was aided using SPSS 26. Results. The Wilcoxon test results showed that there was a significant effect between the pretest and posttest in both groups (p = 0.000), which means that both the control group and the experimental group had improved diving skills after the intervention. The posttest results showed that the experimental group had a significant improvement in diving skills (mean = 95) compared to the control group (mean = 75) with p < 0.05. Mann-Whitney U analysis showed a significant difference between the two groups (Z = -6.756, p < 0.05), indicating that the VR method was more effective than the traditional method. Conclusions. VR-based training was shown to be more effective in improving basic diving skills than traditional methods. The use of this technology can be an innovative alternative in scuba diving training programs for beginners.References
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Copyright (c) 2025 Satrio Sakti Rumpoko, Vera Septi Sistiasih, Kodrad Budiyono, Maharani Fatima Gandasari
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