28 Mar, 2007
ELI Conference - Haptic Force Feedback on Learning
Posted by: Jeff VanDrimmelen In: Gaming| Instructional Technology| Tech Stuff
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I am sitting in another session of the ELI Conference given by Gary Bertoline of Perdue University right now and just had an AMAZING experience with an Haptic device. I am assuming that since I didn’t know about this before some of you don’t either.
Haptic devices are basically connecting the virtual world to the real world. The most common device now a days is the new Nintendo Wii. The devices react according to what you are doing on the program. I played with a device like the Novint Falcon that interacts with a computer program according to the laws of physics.
You move the little ball around and it moves in 3D on the computer. What’s more. When you move against an object it increases the feedback force in relationship to the object. It is incredible how real life it is. As far as you can tell, it is a real object.
You can then change the laws that control the feedback to mimic another planet… say Jupiter and the object reacts according to the new laws. Not only that, the feedback you feel in the device as you move it adjusts accordingly to. I just felt what it was like to move a box on Jupiter and Pluto… when I am going to get a chance to do that again soon? I’m certainly not heading out there any time soon. 
A great quote from Gary:
“Until you experience haptics, you just don’t know how to use it. Once you experience it you can see how it could be useful in teaching and learning.”
In addition to a device like this there are haptic gloves that mimic real touch. Gary makes a great point… he basically says that there is no excuse not to have one of these devices now. They are only $200-$300. They are becoming mainstream.
Imagine the potential with virtual worlds like Second Life. I have been in a long discussion with some of my colleagues the past couple of days trying to convince them that there is something to Second Life. One of the arguments the naysayers brought up was the inability to feel. Incorporate this technology and you have sight, sound and touch! AMAZING! So, everyone… go order yours today! Pre-order is only $189.
