Gary Bertoline on Computer Simulations / Visualizations Learners Can Feel

[When initially posted, the audio file of this interview had some technical problems that hindered listening to it. Those issues have been addressed in the new file, which is attached below. - JSC]

In another interview related to the ELI 07 Spring Focus Session, Immersive Learning Environments: New Paths to Interaction and Engagement, I spoke with Gary Bertoline, Distinguished Professor in Computer Graphics and Assistant Dean at Purdue University. We discussed Gary's project parlor and concurrent session topic for the focus session, The Impact of Computer-Simulated Haptic Force Feedback on Learning.

Over the course of our conversation, Gary explains that "computer-simulated haptic force feedback" refers to providing physical response to learners through computer simulations, essentially allowing them to feel forces in a simulation that they would otherwise have to infer. He then provides a brief overview of the research that demonstrates how such feedback enhances learning outcomes in science, technology, and math education and reviews its potential to support teaching and learning in other disciplines.

We also discuss how advances in technology are rapidly lowering the level of resources needed to incorporate computer-simulated haptic force feedback into teaching and learning. Gary closes our conversation by highlighting the importance of integrating technology into teaching and learning to keep pace with the demands of today's learners and the world they will engage when they graduate.

All participants in the spring focus session will get a brief overview of Gary's research during his project parlor on the first day of the event, March 27. On the second day, March 28, they will have the opportunity to delve much more deeply into his findings by attending either one of the two concurrent sessions on the subject.