Assessment of STEM e-Learning in an Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) Environment
Assessment of STEM e-Learning in an Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) Environment
复制标题
沉浸式虚拟现实 (VR) 环境中 STEM 电子学习的评估
DOI：
10.18260/p.26336
复制
发表时间：
2016
影响因子：
3.5
通讯作者：
J. C. Satterwhite
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
H. El;Christian Rogers;E. Fernandez;J. C. Satterwhite
本文展示了利用虚拟现实环境作为计算机数控（CNC）铣床操作的教育工具的早期研究成果。基于以前的工作，先进的虚拟加工实验室（AVML），该项目具有一个虚拟数控机床完全可操作的环境，旨在让STEM学生和培训专业人员学习使用数控机床，而无需在物理实验室。用户在虚拟环境中使用沉浸式虚拟现实耳机（即Oculus Rift）和标准输入设备（即鼠标和键盘）进行操作，两者结合起来可以轻松移动和逼真的视觉效果。屏幕上的教程允许用户了解他们需要做什么来操作机器，而不需要外部指导。虽然到目前为止，设计和完善这个环境一直是该项目的主要重点，但研究目标是测试沉浸式技术的易用性和教学效果，因为它与STEM领域的教育有关。最初的可用性研究，这个环境的特点是学生从CAD/CAM理论和高级应用（ME 54600）课程在中西部城市机构。该研究的结果与使用四点李克特量表和几个开放式问题的调查一起制成表格。调查结果表明，大多数用户认为环境逼真且易于导航，此外还发现沉浸式技术是有益的。许多人还表示，他们感到舒适的导航环境，而不需要额外的援助，从调查监督。可用性研究的全部细节，包括数据和讨论，可以在本文中找到。这项研究的普遍共识是，虽然有些功能需要改进，但沉浸式环境有助于他们了解数控机床的操作。还将进行一项比较研究，以评估教学效果。
This paper shows the early research findings of utilizing a virtual reality environment as an educational tool for the operation of a computerized numerical control (CNC) milling machine. Based off of previous work, the Advanced Virtual Machining Lab (AVML), this project features an environment in which a virtual CNC machine is fully operable, designed to allow STEM students and training professionals to learn the use of the CNC machine without the need to be in a physical lab. Users operate in the virtual environment using an immersive virtual reality headset (i.e. Oculus Rift) and standard input devices (i.e. mouse and keyboard), both of which combined make for easy movement and realistic visuals. On-screen tutorials allow users to learn about what they need to do to operate the machine without the need for outside instruction. While designing and perfecting this environment has been the primary focus of this project thus far, the research goal is to test the ease of use and the pedagogical effectiveness of the immersive technology as it relates to education in STEM fields. Initial usability studies for this environment featured students from a CAD/CAM-Theory and Advanced Applications (ME 54600) course at a Midwestern urban institution. Results from the study were tabulated with a survey using a four-point Likert scale and several open-ended questions. Findings from the survey indicated that the majority of users found the environment realistic and easy to navigate, in addition to finding the immersive technology to be beneficial. Many also indicated that they felt comfortable navigating the environment without the need for additional assistance from the survey proctors. Full details on the usability study, including data and discussion, can be found in this paper. The general consensus from the study was that, while some features needed refinement, the immersive environment helped them learn about the operation of a CNC machine. An additional comparative study will be undertaken to evaluate pedagogical effectiveness.