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

热力学是一门经常以定义不明确的工程问题和抽象的概念为特色的课程，学生往往难以理解。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)与呈现这种现象的真实物理对象相互作用。为了应对这些挑战，该项目将使用虚拟对象(VObject)，通过将学习者的体验与真实的工程场景紧密关联来增强学习。这项研究将是第一个系统地评估虚拟学习环境的特征和特征的研究之一，该环境旨在支持现实世界中问题解决的“混乱”。该项目将利用操作vObject的技术进步来帮助学生应用基础知识来解决定义不明确的问题，并解决未来工程课程中虚拟学习的改进。全面了解虚拟对象在工程中的用途将有助于在线学习环境的发展，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，通过为不同学生提供更多机会来扩大对STEM的参与。从广义上讲，这项研究将通过促进学生学习理论和抽象的工程概念来促进本科工程教育的改进和改革。

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.