Learning Art Through Virtual Museums: A Qualitative Study of Art Students in Higher Education in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Immersive virtual reality technology is becoming a powerful tool for museums to promote learning. Adopting a qualitative approach, this study investigates how experiencing immersive virtual museums through a head-mounted display affects Saudi Arabian art learners’ experiences, focusing on their sense of presence and flow. It also investigates the effect of that experience on their attitudes toward using immersive virtual museums for learning art and their intention to use such resources in the future. Thematic analysis of data from 30 interviews, revealed the effective role of immersive virtual museum in art learning. Art learners experienced a sense of presence in an immersive virtual museum, enhancing their perceptivity and appreciation of both the museum and its content, surpassing traditional art sources. Additionally, it promoted a flow state, encouraging active engagement and connection. Appreciation and connection are aspects that have been insufficiently addressed in prior research on the effect of immersive virtual museum experiences. The findings demonstrated participants’ positive attitudes toward the use of immersive virtual museums and their intention to use them in the future. This finding offers insights into the reasoning behind art learners' attitudes and intentions, enhancing understanding of their perspectives. The findings provide unique insights into how the art learning experience can be improved through the use of virtual reality headsets, which allow users to actively explore the museum’s content, enabling the construction of more meaningful learning experiences. The study advocates for universities to invest in virtual reality technology and collaborate with museums and technology developers to improve content quality. Integrating immersive virtual museums into university curricula and expanding access to these technologies can make art learning more effective. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards digital museum experiences, enhancing accessibility, improving art education opportunities for a wider range of learners and preparing learners for a digital future.