Spatial presence and learning
MEC (Measurement, Effects, Conditions), an EC-funded project, has investigated the role of Presence experiences in media-based learning processes. Educational hypertext and VR (virtual reality) / multimedia systems were investigated. The literature review that was created shows that VR or multimedia environments can indeed be a good means of acquiring many types of skills. Where gaining factual (declarative) knowledge is concerned, VR can assist with communicating complex objects. This is because it has powerful illustration capability as well as possible interactive manipulation. Thus it enables students to observe and experience relationships between the components of a complex unit in a direct manner. Furthermore, VR can provide effective interactive practice for learning procedural knowledge. For example in the case of motor behaviours, decision making in complex environments and task performance under mental load. It can also be useful for acquiring spatial skills and knowledge, navigation and orientation tasks. Some examples of this include route knowledge and the ability to use maps for personal navigation in unknown territory.
