Learning about complex environmental processes in immersive and non-immersive virtual environments

拟议中的研究旨在了解，与桌面模拟和其他体验相比，沉浸式虚拟环境何时以及是否更容易让学生理解复杂的生态过程。沉浸式和非沉浸式学习材料将从PRISM项目开发的数据库和模型中构建。这个项目模拟了普吉特海湾的环境相互作用。指导这个项目的框架建立在对虚拟现实的三个属性的理解之上；它们诱导用户“在场”的能力；他们支持与对象进行广泛、自然互动的能力；他们有能力让感官接触到通常无法察觉的事件。虚拟现实的这些特性有可能支持建构主义的教学方法，从而帮助学生对科学现象建立科学正确的心理模型。这项研究将主要关注大学生。然而，在研究的后半部分，他们将包括高中毕业生。

The proposed research seeks to understand when and if immersive virtual environments make it easier for students to understand complex ecological processes compared to what they can learn from desktop simulations and other experiences. The immersive and non-immersive learning materials will be built from databases and models developed by the PRISM project. This project models environmental interactions in the Puget Sound.The framework that guides this project is built from an understanding of three properties of VEs; their ability to induce "presence" in users; their ability to support extensive, natural interactions with objects; and thier ability to make accessible to the senses events that are normally undetectable. These properties of VEs have the potential of supporting constructivist approaches to teaching and learning and thus helping students develop scientifically correct mental models of scientific phenomena.The study will focus primarily on college age students. However, in the latter part of the study, they will include high school seniors.