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The haptic paradigm in education: Challenges and case studies
The process of learning involves interaction with the learning environment
through our five senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste). Until
recently, distance education focused only on the first two of those senses,
sight and sound. Internet-based learning environments are predominantly visual
with auditory components. With the advent of haptic technology we can now
simulate/generate forces and, as a result, the sense of touch. The gaming
industry has promoted the "touch" on the "wire", allowing complex multi-modal
interactions online. In this article we provide a brief overview of the
evolution of haptic technology, its potential for education, and existing
challenges. We review recent data on 21st century students' behaviors, and
share our experiences in designing interactive haptic environments for
education. From the "Community of Inquiry" framework perspective, we discuss
the potential impact of haptic feedback on cognitive and social presence