Reading Note: The Potential of Virtual Reality for Computer Science Education - Engaging Students through Immersive Visualizations
Since this paper is not published yet, I’m not allowed to post details about the paper online. Therefore I’m only posting my personal feedback of each part of the paper for now. After the paper is published in public, I will add more details into this reading note.
Abstract
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使用VR解决算法/排序问题，通过可视化和动画，将抽象的现象具体化、使其更容易被理解。且在虚拟现实环境中的互动，也可以很好地促进学习中的“动机、情感、知觉”等。本篇文章主要讨论的是VR+sorting algorithm的学习，证明了学习者在虚拟现实环境中有更高的临场感、吸收知识的能力、积极情绪以及心里沉浸感。
Virtual reality environment = high immersion.
1. Introduction
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CS的学习涉及到了相当多的抽象概念。
编程可以帮助学生发展计算思维、抽象思维能力。
对排序算法的学习，正是编程学习中所有人的必经之路。
VR设备在近年的发展形势较好，价格低廉、佩戴舒适、设置简单等… 使更多人开始有想要尝试VR的想法。同时人们也在考虑互动+沉浸式学习。
本篇论文研究了：20名参与者在2个不同环境中对排序算法的可视化效果的态度。其中一个环境是网站的WebGL，另一个是HTC Vive实现的版本。研究重点是：参与度、学习态度、学习体验等因素。
2. Related Work
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VR与计算机科学的结合其实已经有了很多例子，但是针对这些学习内容的好坏评价都存在。于是本篇论文的研究希望得出，在2种不同环境学习同样内容后，究竟VR+CSE的组合是好是坏
2.1 Interactive Computer Science Education(CSE)
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Computer Science Unplugged - 计算机科学不插电计划 ： CS Unplugged is a collection of free learning activities that teach Computer Science through engaging games and puzzles that use cards, string, crayons and lots of running around.
Parallel sorting network： Article available on ResearchGate(Computer Science Unplugged: school students doing real computing without computers)
![![https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mick-Grimley/publication/266882704/figure/fig4/AS:295607471230983@1447489721441/From-a-video-demonstrating-a-parallel-sorting-network-Another-way-to-engage-with-schools_W640.jpg]](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mick-Grimley/publication/266882704/figure/fig4/AS:295607471230983@1447489721441/From-a-video-demonstrating-a-parallel-sorting-network-Another-way-to-engage-with-schools_W640.jpg)
STASim: 交互式的动画工具。I’m not sure what this is project is about. I found a virtual database project called “FNSS STASİM Visual Database” but was not sure if they are the same thing.
SimSE: an Educational software engineering simulation environment.
这部分的文章基本上强调了Computer Science + Visualization = better educating outcome.
2.2 CSE in Virtual Reality
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MYR: MYR is a browser-based, educational platform built to spark student interest in computer science by allowing users to write code that generates three-dimensional, animated scenes in virtual reality.
论文中也提到了其他技术/Project.
但总体来说，VR属于有潜力的学习方法。因为目前被开发的可视化实验数量太少，所以VR仍然不是CSE中的常用技术。
2.3 Learning Process in Virtual Environments
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VR学习与普通教育环境对比来讲，列出了一些好处。（教育上和心理上）
- 被忽略的问题点：身体上的影响。
3. Visualization of sorting algorithms
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VR和网络中的交互是不同的，网络中只能通过鼠标控制，但VR中可以通过抓取放置等动作进行交互。且移动上，VR版本的程序更有沉浸感（Teleport)
4. User Study
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这部分讲了用户样本的选择、实验设备和流程。
5. Results
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通过数据对比，得出VR的应用相比基于网络的应用更吸引使用者。
6. Discussion
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Limitations and Future Work
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7. Conclusion
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Personal Reflection:
读完此篇论文，我对VR在教育行业的发展前景十分看好。目前VR设备也正处于发展之中，但类似Oculus Quest2这样的设备已经比HTC Vive在使用上方便太多了。相信随着时间的发展，VR设备的质量大幅提升后，VR在教育行业的作用也变得越来越大。