Kindergarten Teacher Training through Virtual Reality: Three-Dimensional Simulation Methodology

Abstracts English: This study examined the effectiveness and efficiency of a three‐dimensional virtual reality simulation model designed to train kindergarten teachers in the understanding of kindergarten children's needs and perceptions. Statistical analysis of the data indicates that the kindergarten teachers who were trained through the virtual reality technology were significantly more understanding of children's needs and perceptions than those trained through the workshop method. Thus, in light of the results of the study, it is suggested that teacher trainers should favourably consider using virtual reality simulation models in the training of kindergarten teachers in order to maximize the effectiveness of the teacher‐training process.

[1]  Tom J. van Weert.  IFIP Working Group 3.1: towards integration of computers into education , 1995, WCCE.

[2]  Edward L. Cleary.  Crisis and change , 1985 .

[3]  Harvey Mellar,et al.  Educational tools for computational modelling , 1993 .

[4]  Ton de Jong,et al.  Learning and instruction with computer simulations , 1991 .

[5]  Eve Kikas,et al.  The Impact of Teaching on Students' Definitions and Explanations of Astronomical Phenomena. , 1998 .

[6]  Jerome J. Leary,et al.  Computer simulated laboratory experiments and computer games: a designer's analysis , 1995, WCCE.

[7]  J. Henderson,et al.  Newly Qualified Teachers: Do We Prepare Them for Their Pastoral Role? , 1994 .

[8]  Wayne L. Shebilske,et al.  Virtual Reality: An Instructional Medium for Visual-Spatial Tasks. , 1992 .

[9]  B. White.  ThinkerTools: Causal Models, Conceptual Change, and Science Education , 1993 .

[10]  Harriet Gross,et al.  Coping with School Transfer: Predicting and Using Coping Strategies , 1996 .

[11]  Neil Thomason,et al.  Designing software for cognitive change: StatPlay and understanding statistics , 1995, WCCE.

[12]  H. Schecker.  Learning physics by making models , 1993 .

[13]  Julie Davies.  Children's Adjustment to Nursery Class: how to equalise opportunities for a successful experience , 1991 .

[14]  Thomas A. Furness,et al.  Spatial perception in virtual environments: Evaluating an architectural application , 1993, Proceedings of IEEE Virtual Reality Annual International Symposium.

[15]  Richard A. Thurman,et al.  Virtual Reality: Toward Fundamental Improvements in Simulation-Based Training. , 1994 .

[16]  Paul Greenhalgh,et al.  Emotional growth and learning , 1994 .

[17]  Meredith Bricken,et al.  Summer Students in Virtual Reality , 1992 .

[18]  Nathan Deen.  Schools Make People Grow: Notes on the Supportive School , 1995 .