How Learning Environments Affect University Students' Employability Skills Development: Students and Staff Views

Batterley, Michael ORCID: 0000-0001-7605-7677, Limniou, Maria ORCID: 0000-0002-6317-4038, Mason, Grace and Bode, Carole ORCID: 0000-0003-1804-8910 (2025) How Learning Environments Affect University Students' Employability Skills Development: Students and Staff Views EDUCATION SCIENCES, 16 (1). 41-. ISSN 2227-7102, 2227-7102

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Abstract

Universities frequently provide employability training, such as interview techniques, within classroom settings. However, limited engagement from both students and staff has prompted exploration of alternative content and delivery methods. Three-dimensional Virtual Reality (VR) and two-dimensional desktop simulations have previously been identified as effective and engaging learning environments. This study investigates whether using a VR application could enhance undergraduate students’ learning of interview skills compared to a desktop application or a video-focused lecture presentation. Students were exposed to one environment, and staff engaged with three different learning environments (VR application, desktop application and video lecture). Employability skills development, user experience and immersive presence were assessed. University staff rated the VR learning environment as more effective for employability skills training, immersive presence and enjoyment compared to the desktop condition. They also found the VR environment more enjoyable than the lecture condition, although lectures were significantly more preferred than the desktop environment. In contrast, no significant differences were found between the conditions across any of the measures in the student sample. These findings suggest that VR systems offer a promising alternative for employability training, particularly in enhancing engagement and perceived effectiveness among staff.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	virtual reality, learning, employability, higher education, interviews, undergraduate students
Divisions:	Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health > Psychology
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	05 Jan 2026 10:04
Last Modified:	16 Jun 2026 19:59
DOI:	10.3390/educsci16010041
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16010041
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3196366
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