Abstract:

In this article we present how new technologies like virtual reality and gamification are used in activities for making physics education more attractive to young generations. Physics is a subject that involves principles, concepts and various units. Drawing and graphics as well as simulations are considered as the best ways by which one can understand the basic concepts and details of physics and face problems in the subject. We present two efforts for implementing the above, one software based, and one hardware based.

The World of Physics project (WoP, 2018), supported by European Commission under the Erasmus+ program, aims to assist students in studying physics domain by utilizing innovative technologies, like virtual reality. More specifically, a 3D virtual reality educational environment, using 3D virtual worlds technology, is developed, possessing innovative educational infrastructure and offering immersive and efficient learning opportunities. Students are engaged in various educational activities and learning scenarios, represented themselves by avatars, which offer an attractive, entertaining and efficient way to learn various topics of the challenging domain of physics.

The learning content focuses on pupils and students at the ISCED 2-3 and covers three main topics:
- mechanics
- electricity and magnetism
- structure if matter.

For better understanding of more advanced physics concepts, we also use different hardware tools from companies like Robotis, Lego or Merkur. Those tools allow students to construct specific example-devices to understand the concepts, and to discover their significance. This type of learning provides students a "hands-on" experience, which will enhance their understanding on difficult points of the physical laws and principles of physics. In our case, we created a device (using LEGO system) with two wheels, which students can use and better understand principles and consequences of changing the position of centre of mass.

Keywords:

Technology enhanced learning, virtual reality, 3D virtual world, avatar, educational robot, educational hardware, physics.