Learning Science Concepts with Haptic Feedback

Abstract

This chapter examines the use of haptic feedback in a multimedia simulation as a means of conveying information about physical science concepts. The case study presented herein investigates the effects of force feedback on children’s conceptions of gravity, mass, and related concepts following experimentation with a force-feedback-enabled simulation. Two groups of 17 children conducted experiments with the simulation; the experimental group used both visual and force feedback, and the control group used visual feedback only. Evidence of positive gains by the experimental group who used the simulation with force feedback is presented. Guidelines for applying these technologies effectively for educational purposes are discussed. This chapter adds to the limited research on the application of haptic feedback for conceptual learning and provides a basis for further research into the effects of computer-based haptic feedback on children’s cognition.