Laboratório de prática virtual: utilização da realidade virtual como ferramenta para o ensino da física

Abstract

Physics is a broad and significant area of study. However, physics as a high school subject poses many challenges for its students. In this study, the use of virtual reality applications as a form of Digital Information and Communication Technologies (DICT) was addressed in conjunction with the teaching of physics in high school. Through a systematic review of virtual experimentation in physics education, important points in the use of this practice were highlighted, such as the ability to visualize abstract concepts, the ease and speed with which experiments are ready for use, and the high reproducibility capacity, among other benefits. Thus, a mobile application in virtual reality format was developed as a laboratory for practical experiments, aiming to make experiments more accessible, dynamic, and with low replication costs. The application was tested by 2nd-year high school students at the Federal Institute of Piauí, Campus Picos. Subsequently, the students answered some questions about the app to assess the software's ability to fulfill the study's objectives. Finally, the information was analyzed. It was concluded that the system is a relevant alternative to aid in physics education; however, there are still areas that can be improved and specific issues that require further study to make the tool effective for all types of users.