Haptics-Augmented Simple-Machine Educational Tools

This paper describes a unique project using commercial haptic interfaces to augment the teaching of simple machines in elementary school. Haptic interfaces provide a sense of touch and force to the human user from a virtual model on the computer. Since force is central to the teaching of simple machine, we believe that the use of haptics in virtual simple-machine simulations has the potential for deeper, more engaging learning. A software has been developed and is freely available on the Internet. HTML tutorials have been developed to support these haptics-augmented software activities in the teaching and learning of simple machines in elementary school. The pilot study results are reported, which yielded positive feedback and suggestions for project improvement from elementary school students and teachers.