Abstract:

Today many educational techniques are based on the constructivism principle, from which one of most important strategy is Inquiry Based Science Education (IBSE). Its basis consists of active learning, which is acquired through understanding new things and phenomena. It considers that the way in which the students learn is based on direct experience. Virtual reality method gives students the opportunity to develop investigative skills, in order to better understand important scientific aspects. Working with scientists, performing experimental measurements and collecting data are the general rules through which a student can control his own learning process. In the paper we will present some achievements of TESLA project (Virtual Reality (VR) as an Innovative and Immersive Tool for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Palestine-TESLA) related to the 3D World that has been successfully developed by four Palestinian universities with three main learning scenarios areas (Geography&Topography, Physics and, Forensics sciences). From these subjects we will present in this paper only the Geography and Topography course. We will analyze the Jericho and the Dead Sea area, with complicated topography, situated under mean sea level and the attention will be focused on the special and interesting aspects that need to be studied in this case.

A learning scenario has been analyzed and it includes a virtual lesson/laboratory where students can train their knowledge and skills through the IBSE exponential model. The main objectives of this course are: understanding the topography and computing of the elevation of the area below the mean sea level; evaluating the problem of receding the Dead See; analyzing the hydrological cycle in the area and suggesting optimal solution and a strategical plan. In the virtual reality environment the students can construct their own knowledge regarding the topography of Jericho and Dead Sea area, explore the earth surface, organize and analyze research data, and identify the positive or the negative impact of the human activities on the environment.

The Geography and Topology scenarios will be extensively described in this paper and the main learning activity will be developed as well as the virtual reality learning platform and the used avatars. As a final conclusion we can understand that this type of learning experience is a very important one, because students can see and observe a new environment, by using a learning process able to facilitate various learning goals, able to accompany students in the study and learning activities through new educational technologies.

They can construct their own observations, based on their achievements and personal conclusions. This type of learning method helps people to develop much more their intelligence in an interactive and immersive learning environment, able to facilitate a variety of learning goals. By enveloping students in an authentic and multi-sensory experience, using VR scenarios, the subject area become alive, especially in geological topics, were reality can help the student to understand and imagine the involved topics. The paper highlights the innovation potential of TESLA project, offering suggestions for improving the learning process on interactive virtual learning environment.

Keywords:

Virtual Reality, Inquiry Based Science Education, Higher Education Institutions, 3D Worlds.