Student performance and appreciation using 3D vs. 2D vision in a virtual learning environment

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.

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.

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.

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.