Work-in-Progress—Paper–Sensory Potentials in the Immersion Experience of Schoolchildren in Virtual Reality: The Importance of Sensory Integration regarding the Immersion Effect

Abstract

Sensory integration (SI) “refers to a process of perceptual processing in which sensory impressions are organized and processed by the brain." [1] SI plays a central role in both perceptual processing of real-world stimuli and understanding of how virtual reality (VR) tricks the senses. Because SI relies on the basic senses of the vestibular, tactile, and proprioceptive systems, it is thus closely linked with immersive virtual reality (iVR), and it’s potential applications [2]. This results in opportunities, - for example, considering the basic body senses could help mitigate some of iVR’s negative side effects, such as disorientation. However, it also brings challenges, especially for iVRuse in children, whose ability to distinguish between physical- and virtual reality is not yet fully developed. This so-called transitional competence develops from high-quality (that is, real-world stimuli) body sensory perception and its subsequent SI. However, on the specifics of these processes fundamental research is lacking. Thus, relevant open questions are discussed in this work-inprogress-paper, specifically, a) how are sensory functions related to body self-image, b) how does sensory experience affect identity development in school children, and c) what potential does the immersion experience offer for the use of iVR in school children? Considering development-age when using iVR with schoolchildren would enable appropriate, safe application of this technology.