The Development of a Virtual world for Learning Newtonian Mechanics

We are collaboratively designing "ScienceSpace," a collection of virtual worlds designed to explore the potential utility of physical immersion and multisensory perception to enhance science education. This paper describes the creation and formative evaluation of NewtonWorld, a virtual environment for investigating the kinematics and dynamics of one-dimensional motion. Through this research, we are developing design heuristics, assessment methodologies, and insights about multisensory learning generalizable to a wide range of educational environments. We are also gaining an understanding the strengths and weaknesses of virtual reality as a vehicle for learning.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1994
• Where: MHVR
• Authors: Christopher J. Dede, Marilyn C. Salzman, R. Bowen Loftin
• Keywords: MHVR 1994, Multimedia, Multisensory Learning, Multisensory Perception, Virtual Worlds