The 'City Game': An Example of a Virtual Environment for Teaching Spatial Orientation

Sabine Volbracht (University of Paderborn, Dept. of Computer Science, Germany)

Gitta Domik (University of Paderborn, Dept. of Computer Science, Germany)

Dorothea Backe-Neuwald (University of Paderborn, Dept. of Mathematics, Germany)

Hans-Dieter Rinkens (University of Paderborn, Dept. of Mathematics, Germany)

Abstract: Spatial orientation is an important ability, which should be facilitated in geometry courses of elementary schools. A preferred approach (in Germany) typically involves navigation and orientation tasks with pictures of a town and city maps depicted in a book. Because of increasing use of computer systems in schools, it is very interesting to explore the value a virtual environment possesses for teaching spatial orientation. This articel describes the 'City Game', a computer-generated, virtual 3D city, developed for teaching spatial orientation in elementary schools, and an informal study to see first reactions of children and adults when using the 'City Game'.

Keywords: children, spatial orientation, teaching, virtual city, virtual environment