INTERACTIVE 3D-GRAPHICS OBJECTS AS CONCEPTUAL METAPHORS FOR TEACHING DIFFICULT AND ABSTRACT CONCEPTS

An interesting avenue to introduce abstract and difficult topics to a group of students might be the provision of three-dimensional objects as conceptual metaphors. Virtual 3D-worlds offer the opportunity for the students to directly experience and manipulate a given educational learning object. Some students prefer an abstract teaching of relevant concepts, but for the majority it is a highly motivating experience to playfully explore a new topic. In our paper we discuss the cognitive aspects of educational objects in virtual 3D-worlds and then give specific examples relating to topics from our course in "Computer Systems". As example 3D environments we have chosen "Second Life" and our locally developed "Wissenheim World". Different styles of modeling and of interaction are compared and recommendations for future implementations are given. Mastering computer graphics and animation skills are important but not decisive. The major challenge appears to be the creation of intuitive and obvious metaphors for the abstract concepts which should be conveyed to the students.