Examining the effect of spherical video-based virtual reality on learners' writing performance, reflective thinking skills and writing anxiety

Given the potential of spherical video-based virtual reality (SVVR) to enhance writing performance and reduce writing anxiety, this study aimed to investigate the combined effects of SVVR and the reflective thinking cycle on learners' writing performance, reflective thinking skills and writing anxiety. The study involved two classes, which were randomly assigned to a Non-Intervention group and an Intervention group. Both groups completed pre-tests assessing writing performance and pre-surveys assessing reflective thinking skills and writing anxiety. The Non-Intervention group then engaged with SVVR alone, while the Intervention group engaged in both SVVR and the reflective thinking cycle. Both groups subsequently completed post-tests and post-surveys to evaluate changes in writing performance, reflective thinking skills and writing anxiety. An ANCOVA assessed writing performance and reflective thinking skills, paired-sample t-tests examined writing anxiety, and thematic analysis was conducted on open-ended responses. The findings revealed that the combination of SVVR and the reflective thinking cycle significantly improved learners' writing performance and reflective thinking skills because the reflective thinking cycle enhance learners' awareness of learning processes. SVVR alone effectively reduced writing anxiety more than when combined with the reflective thinking cycle. Based on these outcomes, incorporating SVVR and reflective thinking cycles into writing instruction is encouraged.