Supporting Collaborative Learning in a Virtual Reality Environment

Abstract

As computers become more capable of identifying the physical components of human behavior, it becomes less necessary to adjust our behavior to conform to the computer’s requirements. Such capabilities are particularly useful when children are involved, and make using computers in education all the more appealing. Here we look at a system designed to track children as they collaborate on a learning project within a virtual reality environment, giving feedback and limited guidance to encourage progress and problem solving. The learning projects require users to move freely about the environment, thus stimulating the kinesthetic sense. These learning projects encourage participants to access new perspectives, thereby allowing them to perceive the problem in multiple ways. As part of an environment which supports and encourages collaboration, the potential educational benefit is significant.