Abstract/Summary

360° 3D virtual reality (VR) video is used in education to bring immersive environments into a teaching space for learners to experience in a safe and controlled way. Within 360° 3D VR video, informational elements such as additional text, labelling and directions can be easily incorporated to augment such content. Despite this, the usefulness of this information for learners has not yet been determined. This article presents a study which aims to explore the usefulness of labelling and text within 360° stereoscopic 3D VR video content and how this contributes to the user experience. Postgraduate students from a university in the UK (n = 30) were invited to take part in the study to evaluate VR video content augmented with labels and summary text or neither of these elements. Interconnected themes associated with the user experience were identified from semi-structured interviews. From this, it was established that the incorporation of informational elements resulted in the expansion of the field of view experienced by participants. This “augmented signposting” may facilitate a greater spatial awareness of the virtual environment. Four recommendations for educators developing 360° stereoscopic 3D VR video content are presented.