Virtual experiment environments design for science education

Abstract

Virtual reality technology is reported that the use of virtual reality (VR) as an educational tool can increase student interests, understanding and creative learning because of encouraging students to learn by exploring and interacting with the information on virtual environments. This paper presents the virtual experiment (VE) environments for science education using virtual reality simulation. We developed the VE environments on the Web designed compatible to the learner levels through level analysis in the learning contents. The students can select the learning level in the exploring step of learning cycle model: regular, advanced and remedial courses according to the degree of their understanding or interest about the learning topic. The VE environments support students to learn scientific phenomena and concepts focusing on: the seismic wave, the Earth's crust balance, radiation balance, the movement of ocean, solar system and the control of telescope in the science field of middle school. The responses of learning on VE environments have demonstrated that the VE environments can be used as a useful methodology in science education for middle school students.