Visual and simulation learning

• Main Author: Tan, Chin Yang.
• Other Authors: Cai Yiyu
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Systems engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/16146
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Learning is the one of the most important mental function of human. It relies on the acquisition of different types of knowledge supported by perceived information. It leads to the development of new capacities, skills, values, understanding and preferences. Most educational systems around the world today are still very much focused on grades and ability to retain and regurgitate taught knowledge during exams. Creativity is often an undermined aspect in most educational system. Research in educational and cognitive psychology has revealed that learning is enhanced when information is dual coded in both visual and verbal modes. In practice, classroom use of visual learning techniques to achieve this dual coding effect is most often expressed in the form of graphical organizers. These have been strongly associated with increased performance, retention and critical thinking skills. Dual coding learning, however, only addressed two out of the three established styles of learning, with the last style being Constructionist Learning. Moving forward, education would have to venture into this new area that plays a critical yet often ignored aspect of learning. In this light, this final year project aims to investigate learning methodology using educational technologies to enhance the current education curriculum. With technological advancement, it is about time to move away from traditional pen and paper, or even textbooks, and start embracing the integration of technologies into learning and education systems. Several potential educational platforms were investigated and eventually shortlisted to two, Phun and 3D Studio Max. Statistical results were tabulated and complied to gauge effectiveness and responses of students’ experiences with such immersive technology educational aids.