Calculus and Virtual Reality (CalcVR)

该项目CalcVR将探索虚拟现实（VR）在多元微积分教学中的应用。一个重要的成果是，主要研究人员将在基于Unity软件平台和谷歌免费提供的工具的尖端教育平台上，将他们迄今为止创建的课程和演示数量增加两倍以上。此外，新材料可以扩展到允许其他人构建可以轻松部署的VR材料。该软件的设计将允许通过Google Play商店和Apple App Store免费向用户分发。此外，硬件成本可以忽略不计，因为智能手机几乎是普遍的。在多变量微积分中，学生最大的障碍之一是三维或三维以上的表面和其他图形的可视化。 为了支持学生在微积分中的可视化，CalcVR有两个首要目标。首先是通过免费提供的CalcVR应用程序，在一个可以使用移动的技术轻松访问的沉浸式虚拟现实环境中创建和改进多变量微积分概念的演示和课程。第二是衡量CalcVR应用程序中的教育材料和相应课程材料的有效性。形成性评估将包括学生访谈、专家咨询委员会的反馈以及广泛的学生调查。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并被认为值得通过使用基金会的智力价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估来支持。

This project, CalcVR, will explore the use of virtual reality (VR) in the teaching of multi-variable calculus. An important outcome is that the principal investigators will more than triple the number of lessons and demonstrations they have created so far on a cutting-edge educational platform based on the Unity software platform and freely available tools from Google. Additionally, the new materials may be extended to allow others to build VR materials that can be easily deployed. The design of the software will allow for distribution at no cost to the user through the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Further, the hardware costs are negligible, because Smartphones are almost universal. In multi-variable calculus, one of the greatest obstacles for students is the visualization of surfaces and other figures in three or more dimensions. To support students' visualization in calculus, CalcVR has two overarching goals. The first is to create and improve demonstrations and lessons of multi-variable calculus concepts in an immersive virtual reality environment that can be easily accessed using mobile technology, via the freely-available CalcVR app. The second is to measure the effectiveness of the educational material in the CalcVR app and corresponding course materials. Formative assessments will include student interviews, feedback from an Advisory Board of experts, and broad student surveys. Additional research will include the analysis of student responses to specific exam questions on conceptual topics of importance.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.