Virtual Reality (VR) in Office Technology and Management Training for Business Education Students in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the Virtual Reality (VR) in Office Technology and Management Training for Business Education Students in Nigeria universities, focusing on its impact on skill acquisition, the challenges faced, and its relationship with employability. Correspondingly, two research questions were addressed. A descriptive survey design was adopted, targeting a population of 1,500 business education students from universities in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Using Krejcie and Morgan’s sample size table of 150 respondents was determined. Proportional sampling ensured balanced representation across universities, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire titled Integrating Virtual Reality in Office Technology and Management Training (IROTMTQ). The instrument demonstrated high reliability, with a Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of 0.89, validated through a pilot study. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, with clustered column-line charts used to visualize and interpret the data. The findings revealed that VR integration significantly enhances skill acquisition, equipping OTM students with practical, technology-driven competencies. However, barriers such as high costs, insufficient technical expertise, and inadequate infrastructure hinder its effective adoption. The study concludes that while VR offers transformative potential for OTM training, overcoming these challenges is critical to maximizing its benefits. It was recommended, among other things, that universities offering OTM programs invest in VR infrastructure, including hardware, software, and high-speed internet connectivity, to facilitate seamless implementation of VR in training activities.