Teaching Math with the Help of Virtual Reality

In this work we introduce a learning system based on VR (Virtual Reality) for studying analytical-geometric structures that are part of the curriculum in mathematics and physics high school classes. We believe that an immersive study environment has several advantages over traditional two-dimensional environments (such as a book or the simple screen of a PC or tablet), such as the spatial understanding of the concepts exposed, more peripheral awareness and moreover an evident decreasing in the information dispersion phenomenon. This does not mean that our teaching approach is a substitute for traditional approaches, but it can serve as a robust tool to support learning. In the first phase of our research we have sought to understand which mathematical objects and which tools to use to enhance the teaching of mathematics, in order to demonstrate that the use of VR techniques significantly increase the level of understanding of the mathematical subject being studied by the students. The system which provides for the integration of two machine levels, hardware and software, was subsequently tested by a representative sample of students who then provided feedback through a questionnaire.