The Virtual Playground - experiments in Virtual Reality Education

The Virtual Playground (VP) is an engaging simulation environment for children between 8 and 12 y. old. It has been designed as part of a research study investigating the effect of interactive virtual reality environments on learning. Children wear 3D glasses and use a 3D computer mouse (called a "wand") to design a virtual playground. In this playground, the child user assumes the role of a designer that must carry out tasks, such as planning the layout of the playground by modifying, resizing and placing its various elements. These tasks require solving mathematical fraction problems. The VP is used for research in evaluating interactivity in virtual environments for learning.

This research was conducted by Maria Roussou as part of her PhD work in Computer Science at the University College London. The studies were held in 2005.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• virtual reality
• education
• interactivity
• learning
• mathematical fractions
• immersion