Title: Virtual reality for spatial topics in biology

Authors: Silvia Dewiyanti, Piet Kommers

Addresses: Open Universiteit Nederland, OTEC, PO Box 2960, 6401 DL, Heerlen, The Netherlands. ' Department of Educational Instrumentation, Faculty of Education, University of Twente, Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands

Abstract: Starting from the need for visualising the live biological process, we conducted a pilot project to develop a virtual reality learning environment. As a new technology, virtual reality has a good prospect as an alternative medium for teaching and learning. A virtual reality environment has some advantages in increasing the learning process and learning outcomes. We developed three prototypes for mammal blood circulation. An evaluation for those prototypes were conducted in order to know the virtual reality position for learning biology and also to know the students| appreciation of the virtual reality environment. Interesting results from the evaluation gave indications that a virtual reality environment can help the learner to visualise an abstract concept and ideas.

Keywords: virtual reality; mammals| circulation; immersive; interactive learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2004.004577

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2004 Vol.14 No.1/2, pp.93 - 100

Published online: 21 May 2004 *

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