Integrating Virtual Reality and Simulation Technologies for Enhanced Practical Skills Acquisition in Technical Colleges in Lagos State

Abstract

This study explored the utilization of Virtual Reality (VR) and simulation technologies for enhancing practical skills acquisition in Lagos State Technical Colleges. The research adopted a descriptive survey and quasi-experimental design, involving 150 participants (120 students and 30 instructors) selected through purposive sampling from technical colleges offering furniture craft and carpentry programs. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and practical skills assessment tools, validated by three TVET experts. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent t-test) were used to analyze data at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that both students (grand mean = 3.76) and instructors (grand mean = 3.85) strongly agreed that VR and simulation technologies enhance practical skills acquisition through demonstration of difficult technical operations, safe practice of hazardous tasks, repeated practice without material wastage, and development of problem-solving skills. Regarding effectiveness, students (grand mean = 3.83) and instructors (grand mean = 3.85) agreed that integration of these technologies improves accuracy in workshop operations, increases student interest, enhances quality of skill acquisition, and supports theory-practice coordination. The independent t-test results showed no significant differences between the perceptions of students and instructors for both hypotheses (t-cal = 0.64 and 0.15; t-crit = 1.96), indicating strong stakeholder consensus. The study concludes that VR and simulation technologies are widely perceived as effective tools for bridging the theory-practice gap in technical education. It is recommended that government and institutional stakeholders invest in VR infrastructure, provide instructor training, integrate simulation modules into the curriculum, and establish continuous evaluation frameworks to ensure sustainable implementation.