Factors Influencing the Adoption of Immersive Virtual Reality for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Parents Perceptions

<p>The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify factors that affect the adoption of a spherical video virtual reality (SVVR) mobile application among parents of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study used the diffusion of innovation theory by Rogers (2003) as a framework to explore parents’ perceptions of an SVVR transportation model designed to improve the quality of life of adults with ASD. In addition, the study sought to learn what might increase adoption of VR technology among other parents of individuals with ASD and what life skills that might be addressed using VR technology in the future. The study employed interviews, focus groups, and observation to collect data. The factors that negatively affected the perception of VR technology among parents were categorized into themes: awareness of VR learning applications, availability, disadvantages of SVVR, and technical issues related to the SVVR transportation model. Factors that positively affected the parents’ decision to adopt VR were immersion, realism, ease-of-use, enjoyment and motivation. To increase the adoption of VR by other parents of individuals with ASD, parents suggested that understanding of VR learning applications needs to increase, more teachers should be trained to use VR, the SVVR model should be improved, and there should be greater exposure to VR in schools and at home. Potential future life skills that need to be addressed through the VR technology were also identified. The findings of this study may help eliminate concerns about using VR technology as a therapy for ASD individuals and encourage more parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to adopt it. </p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Year dc:date.available

2020

Author dc:creator

• Abdeen, Fahad

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Beck, Dennis

Contributors dc:contributor

• Endacott, Jason L.
• Mears, Derrick

• Adaptive skill
• ASD
• Autism
• Immersive
• Therapy
• Transition
• Virtual Reality
• VR technology
• Accessibility
• Educational Methods
• Educational Technology
• Special Education and Teaching

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/3741

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarworks.uark.edu:etd-5291