Abstract:

The development of new human-computer interfaces is constantly improving the quality of the interaction experience, and facilitating the tasks of users working with their computing devices. One of the most promising approaches is the design of natural user interfaces, that try to make use of the most intuitive methods of communicating, such as gestures, speech or touch. In this paper we discuss some of the first examples of natural user interfaces in the context of wearable computing, and then we focus in one of these technologies, haptic interaction, and its application to advanced training systems for improving the quality of life. We describe various examples of advanced interfaces, such as a nasogastric intubation training system that can help nurses in learning to perform this medical procedure, the design of a low cost Braille tablet aimed at blind and low vision students, a virtual nerve block simulation environment to train future anesthesiologists or a system to aid surgeons with the learning of laparoscopic techniques. The purpose of this brief review is to offer the reader a few examples of the many current applications of advanced interfaces in computer based teaching and learning systems for higher education.

Keywords:

Advanced training systems, teaching and learning systems, haptic devices, force feedback.