Impact of interactive learning elements on personal learning performance in immersive virtual reality for construction safety training

To improve construction safety through proactive prevention strategies, it is essential to leverage virtual reality (VR) training programs that foster active learning through dynamic interaction between VR systems and learners. Addressing this need, this study proposed an interactive immersive VR (IVR)-based construction safety training framework, incorporating four interactive learning elements (ILEs): immediate feedback, basic interaction with objects, assembling objects, and knowledge testing. This study divided sixty trainees into two groups: one experienced the proposed novel interactive IVR-based training approach, while the other underwent traditional, non-interactive IVR-based training. To accurately evaluate the impact of the four ILEs on individual learning performance, this study conducted t-test analyses and utilized machine learning-based SHAP (Shapley Additive exPlanations) analysis to compare the results between both groups. The findings indicated that the proposed method significantly enhanced active learning, positively influencing the sensory and knowledge domains of trainees more effectively than the existing methods. Notably, 'ILE-(1). Immediate feedback' and 'ILE-(2). Basic interaction with objects' were identified as key factors in improving personal learning outcomes during training. This study contributes significantly to the field of management in engineering, demonstrating that interactive IVR-based training can offer a superior learning experience and enhance safety performance, thereby reducing accident rates and creating safer construction sites.