title: Student performance and appreciation using 3D vs. 2D vision in a virtual learning environment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in the performance and appreciation of students working in a virtual learning environment with two (2D)- or three (3D)-dimensional vision.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and twenty-four randomly divided first-year dental students performed a manual dexterity exercise on the Simodont dental trainer with an automatic assessment. Group 1 practised in 2D vision and Group 2 in 3D. All of the students practised five times for 45 min and then took a test using the vision they had practised in. After test 1, all of the students switched the type of vision to control for the learning curve: Group 1 practised in 3D and took a test in 3D, whilst Group 2 practised in 2D and took the test in 2D. To pass, three of five exercises had to be successfully completed within a time limit. The students filled out a questionnaire after completing test 2.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results show that students working with 3D vision achieved significantly better results than students who worked in 2D. Ninety-five per cent of the students filled out the questionnaire, and over 90 per cent preferred 3D vision.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of 3D vision in a virtual learning environment has a significant positive effect on the performance of the students as well as on their appreciation of the environment.
authors.affiliation: Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: I R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: de Boer
authors.affiliation: Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Wesselink
authors.affiliation: Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Vervoorn
mesh_terms: D003196:Computer Graphics; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D018961:Educational Technology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D017145:Models, Educational; D019212:Multimedia; D012984:Software; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013335:Students, Dental; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014584:User-Computer Interface
keywords: 3D; virtual learning environment; virtual reality