Collaborative Research: vObjects - Understanding their Utility to Enhance Learning of Abstract and Complex Engineering Concepts

热力学是一门经常以工程问题为特征的学科，这些问题没有很好的定义，而且抽象的概念通常很难让学生理解。此外，热力学现象发生的规模使得学生很难（如果不是不可能的话）与表现出这种现象的真实物理对象进行交互。为了应对这些挑战，该项目将使用虚拟对象（vObjects），通过将学习者体验紧密映射到现实生活中的工程场景来增强学习。本研究将是第一个系统地评估虚拟学习环境的特点和功能，旨在支持“混乱”的真实的世界problem solving.This项目将采用先进的技术来操纵vObjects，以帮助学生应用基础知识来解决不明确的问题，并解决未来的工程课程虚拟学习的改进。全面了解vObjects在工程中的实用性将有助于开发在线学习环境，包括增强现实环境。工程技能的虚拟学习也可以作为一种工具，通过为不同的学生提供更多的机会来扩大对STEM的参与。从广义上讲，这项研究将有助于提高和改造本科工程教育，提高学生的理论和抽象的工程概念的学习。

Thermodynamics is a subject that often features engineering problems that are not well-defined and abstract concepts that are often hard for students to understand. In addition, the scale at which thermodynamic phenomena occur makes it difficult, if not impossible, for students to interact with authentic physical objects that exhibit such phenomena. To address these challenges, this project will use virtual objects (vObjects) to enhance learning by closely mapping the learner experience to real-life engineering scenarios. This study will be one of the first to systematically evaluate characteristics and features of a virtual learning environment designed to support the "messiness" of real world problem solving.This project will employ technological advancements for manipulation of vObjects to help students apply foundational knowledge to the solution of ill-defined problems and to address the improvement of virtual learning for future engineering curricula. A comprehensive understanding of the utility of vObjects in engineering will contribute to the development of online learning environments, including augmented reality environments. Virtual learning of engineering skills can also be used as a tool for broadening participation in STEM by providing the opportunity for greater access by diverse students. In broad terms, this research will contribute to improving and transforming undergraduate engineering education by enhancing student learning of theoretical and abstract engineering concepts.