Comparing Two Immersive Virtual Environments for Education
Abstract: The Virtual Cell is a 3D multi-user educational game teaching principles of Cell Biology. The Geology Explorer is also a multi-user educational game, but teaching principles of Physical Geology with a 2.5D interface. These systems were tested over several years, using an identical experimental design. This paper describes these systems, a set of experiments conducted in 2003 using large sample sizes, and the comparative results of these experiments. The general results of this study are that 1) gender does not correlate with success in games of this type and 2) neither does pre-treatment computer literacy or 3) previous gaming experience, and 4) that 3D versus 2.5D interfaces do not significantly effect the student perception of the learning experience. Specific comparisons between the Virtual Cell and the Geology explorer showed that students perceived the Virtual Cell as more difficult, while the Geology Explorer was perceived as more fun.
Presider: Zabin Visram, University of West London