What is CAVE

Current trends in informal science learning tend to place more emphasis on science centers as tools to bridge the technological gap for their visitors (Salmi, 2003; Sandifer, 2003). In line with compelling evidence in the multimedia literature, which shows that technology-based environments do provide good instructional support for meeting learning needs (Kim, 2006; Lim, Nonis, & Hedberg, 2006), it would be useful to investigate the potential of technology-based exhibits at science centers to create new multisensory experiences for learning science topics in a way that is different from traditional methods of teaching. This can provide pointers for schools to see how such attractions can be used to assist or complement the formal science learning in schools. The principal objective of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of technology-based exhibits in promoting affective learning outcomes among students of mixed ability visiting a science centre. The chosen exhibit is the CAVE (cave automated virtual environment), a supercomputerbased multimedia system.