Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012
Abstract
This chapter reviews the use of virtual reality to aid learning. First we give a description of virtual reality technology and the diverse ways in which it can be viewed and interacted with. Virtual reality has been used to support different types of learning in a variety of application areas including medical training, mainstream and special needs education, and rehabilitation. An overview of exemplary research in these areas is presented. Limitations of current research knowledge are discussed and recommendations for further work are made.
Introduction to Multimedia Learning in Virtual Reality
There are no single concise or generally accepted definitions of virtual reality and virtual environments. This is partly due to the continual state of evolution of the many technologies involved and also the terms being used in a variety of contexts. The Cambridge online dictionary defines virtual as; “something that can be done or seen using a computer and therefore without going anywhere or talking to anyone.” It defines virtual reality as “a set of images and sounds produced by a computer, which seem to represent a place or a situation that a person can experience or take part in” (http://dictionary.cambridge.org). The definition used in this chapter is that virtual reality describes the combination of systems comprising computer processing (PC-based or higher), a building platform for creating three-dimensional environments, and peripherals such as visual display and interaction devices that are used to create and maintain virtual environments. Virtual environments refer to the three-dimensional environments created.
To save this book to your Kindle, first ensure no-reply@cambridge.org is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the ‘name’ part of your Kindle email address below. Find out more about saving to your Kindle.
Note you can select to save to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations. ‘@free.kindle.com’ emails are free but can only be saved to your device when it is connected to wi-fi. ‘@kindle.com’ emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply.
Find out more about the Kindle Personal Document Service.
To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Dropbox.
To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.