An approach to assessment of knowledge acquisition by using three-dimensional virtual learning environment

Virtual Reality (VR) systems are a trend in the educational field. We can observe in academic literature that VR applications are widely adopted as Three-Dimensional Virtual Learning Environments (3D VLEs) in different fields of knowledge. However, one of the discussions highlighted in this context refers to the contribution that these environments really offer for student knowledge acquisition. In this scenario, this paper presents the results obtained from an experimental study conducted with high school students interested in learning Plane and Spatial Geometry. The volunteers explored the 3D VLE applied in the experiment, in which it is possible to create and visualize spatial figures from selected plane figures. The interactions in the virtual environment were registered for statistic analysis of the interaction level of participants. To assess the level of knowledge acquisition, a Theoretical Model for Assessment of Knowledge Acquisition was applied The results of the experiment conducted in this research indicated that it is possible to evaluate learning in 3D VLE by applying the Model abovementioned and showed that participants gained knowledge about the object of study using the 3D VLE learning method. Thus, it was possible to verify if the 3D VLEs are really contributing to the learner´s knowledge acquisition.