An Efficient System Based on Experimental Laboratory in 3D Virtual Environment for Students with Learning Disabilities

Abstract

Virtual reality applications can enhance the education and training of students with learning disabilities, along with their quality of life. Virtual worlds offer opportunities for creating a highly interactive, complex simulation. Modeling and scripting tools can be applied in these worlds. Providing functionalities for managing presentations, administration as well as assessment of coursework in an educational context, virtual learning environments support teaching and learning in schools. Learning disabilities such as “dyslexia, dyscalculia, attention issues (ADHD), and disability in retrieving information”, which students need to do physics experiments, are a major source of concern since they impair a person’s ability to learn. Traditional teaching methods do not appear to support the same thought in the situation of students with learning disabilities, who normally need a significant investment of time, money, and people for individual tutoring. Students with this problem have difficulty envisioning or visualizing what they are being taught, in addition to breaking down and processing the material. To address the above issues, this paper develops and evaluates a 3D virtual physics laboratory to improve cognitive skills in physics experiments for students with learning disabilities. The environment is created based on specially designed criteria for disabled students. The study proves the effectiveness of the 3D virtual environment in improving the cognitive skills in the physics of students with learning disabilities.