Smart Ambience for Affective Learning (SAMAL): Instructional Design and Evaluation

Abstract

While much has been written about how emotions affect cognition and memory [1], as well as how emotions attached to the success/failure of academic performance impact learning; little has been researched about the association between immersion in VR and emotions and learning. In this study we focus on the instructional design and evaluation of an innovative learning environment for affective learning which allows students to step into the virtual reality scenarios and through a series of interactive and immersive learning activities provides the learner with a unique learning experience, not found in conventional classroom learning. The design of instructional plans aims to work in conjunction with the virtual scenarios for learning and takes reference from Kolb’s theory on experiential learning. The SAMAL (Smart Ambience for Affective Learning) instructional design offers a unique potential of stimulating the learner to engage in the educational virtual experience. Our preliminary findings show that a range of affect responses can be invoked through direct interaction with SAMAL learning scenarios which serves to extend the use of educational games as a supplementary learning tool and offers a new novel arena for learning.