The Use of a 3-D Force Feedback Joystick in Abstract Physics System Learning

• In Event: Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: Advanced Technologies for Learning Poster Session

Abstract

This paper describes a study on the effect of elementary students using Novint Falcon, a 3-D force feedback joystick, in a Flash simulation that incorporates direct-manipulation animation (DMA) to learn abstract physics systems of the law of conservation of energy and classic mechanics. The goal of this study is to examine whether the force feedback experience that is consistent with the orientation of movements in a DMA Flash simulation provides a better multimodal representation than a DMA Flash simulation without the force feedback experience. Preliminary results show that this advancement in HCI technology supports an embodied experience that will lead to the construction of a better mental model for the learning and understanding of abstract physics systems.

Authors

• Shih-Chieh Douglas Huang, Teachers College, Columbia University

• John B. Black, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Tanner Vea, Stanford University