AI-LED INSTRUCTION IN A VIRTUAL REALITY PLATFORM FOR SECONDARY NUTRITION-SCIENCE COURSES

The major goal for this project is to is to engineer a VR platform that employs AI-led instruction to deliver high-quality, hands-onlearning in nutrition-science courses.For this Phase I study, we will build and test the feasibility and usability of one full VR module for the course "Advanced Foods and Nutrition", a nutrition focused CTE course, in the Agriculture and Family and Consumer Sciences career pathways, that will include a learning arc and gamified components around the following student learning tasks:Develop a plan for weight loss, weight gain, or maintenance while examining nutrition through the life cycle (infant, children, teens, pregnancy, adulthood, and elderly)Plan and examine a diet plan for a specific need such as high fiber, low fat, low cholesterol, low sodium, diabetic, athlete, heart disease, or lactose intoleranceDemonstrate and determine the correct cooking methods for a variety of food products such as roasting, baking, broiling, smoking, grilling, sautéing, frying, deep frying, braising, stewing, poaching, steaming, woking, convection, microwaving, and other emerging technologiesPrepare a variety of regional and international foods using appropriate methods and techniquesOperate tools and equipment following safety procedures and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requirementsDemonstrate and practice knowledge of food service safety and sanitation procedures and the factors that contribute to foodborne illnessTo achieve this, we propose the following 4 objectives:Objective 1: VR Environment Development. Build and test a robust and immersive VR environment that replicates real-world scenarios relevant to the Advanced Foods and Nutrition course.Objective 2: Realistic Simulation. Create and evaluate realistic simulations within the VR environment that allow students to practice and apply skills relevant to the Advanced Foods and Nutrition course.Objective 3: AI Integration. Incorporate the AI teacher into the VR environment, allowing it to interact with students and offer personalized instruction.Objective 4: Innovation, Evaluation, and Iteration. Evaluate how users engage with the platform, the effectiveness of personalized instruction, and the impact on student learning and satisfaction.