Innovative technologies of virtual reality in the educational system for students with disabilities

This study is intended to develop educational technologies for disabled students with violation of musculoskeletal system. According to the World Health Organization the statistical data on diseases of the musculoskeletal system accounts for 30% each 10 years, as for the percentage disablement due to this factor it accounts for 25-30%. The Global Burden of Disease study reported that musculoskeletal disorders are ranked as the second most common cause of disability. The disabled people's problems related to the professional education and the socialization are the first magnitude ones in the modern society. An advanced step in assistive technology development provides ample opportunities for disabled people. The artificial intelligence is a driving force, which will present unique educational technologies, will allow a high-tech educating implementation and improve the quality of disabled life. A utilization of virtual reality technology is considered as one of the most efficient methods in rehabilitation and cognitive development while conducting rehabilitative trainings. The main aims of this work are an implementation of researches, a development of intellectual data system of educational process adaptation and an introduction of methods which will allow increasing metacognitive abilities of disabled people. This system entails implementation of practically feasible, innovative technologies of managing the inclusive process. Thus, this study was aimed to outline the potential effects of using VR technology biofeedback training to increase students' metacognitive level. To achieve this goal, a preliminary test /post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Moscow State University of Humanities and Economics. A total of 65 students with musculoskeletal disorders participated in the study of these issues. There were 32 students in Group 1, 33 in Group 2. The same discipline was taught in both groups by the same instructor; however, the experimental group took VR biofeedback training every week during the semester, while the control group continued with the usual methods. Data was collected using a Metacognitive Awareness Inventory. The results showed that the virtual reality technology can be applied in the intelligent educational system. In addition, these results are suitable for applying in development of cognitive abilities in order to increase the cognitive functions of students with musculoskeletal disorders. © 2020 International Multidisciplinary Scientific Geoconference. All rights reserved.