Improving Spatial Intelligence and Reading skills by Developing Mastery of Virtual Activities

摘要

The research is aimed at enabling special education pupils to use computers in everyday life, and also improving spatial intelligence and reading skills. The method of training focuses on teaching and training pupils to create computer manipulations and communicate by using the Internet. In order to utilize the unique characteristics of the virtual reality, the manipulations created in the virtual environment are applied to the real world as much as possible. The researcher taught the teachers the basics of the use of computer and trained them how to use the method in their classroom. Then the teachers used the method with their special education pupils in accordance with their cognitive and motor abilities. The objects were taken from the pupils' everyday environment and their unique motivations. The teachers trained the pupils in pairs or individually. The teachers improved their mastery of computers. In spite of their lack of experience before the experiment, they built high-level PowerPoint presentations and used them with their pupils in the classroom. They sent their products by Electronic mail (E-Mail) and navigated relevant Internet sites. The teachers reported pupils' high motivation and their success in the various virtual activities. As a result, the spatial intelligence and reading achievements of the pupils were improved. The teacher-pupil interaction and the social relationships between the pupils were also improved.