VIRTUAL EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

摘要

The notion of experiential learning proposes that concrete experiences provide the basis for observation, reflection and abstract conceptualization. As a consequence, knowledge construction is stronger when theoretical concepts are applied in real or quasi-real contexts to consolidate learning. Virtual environments that replicate real contexts or simulate inexistent ones provide effective ways to apply those theoretical concepts. Therefore, the use of Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR) environments for learning purposes has been a research matter for the past few years. New technologies provide ways to increase the immersion of the user in those environments. That is, for instance, the case of haptic devices - a tactile sensory interface between a person and a computer. In this article we describe a methodology to integrate these environments in education, providing new and innovative learning methods.