Feasibility Analysis of an Assessment Model of Knowledge Acquisition in Virtual Environments: A Case Study using a Three-dimensional Atlas of Anatomy

Despite the large amount of research related to three-dimensional Virtual Learning Environments (3D VLEs), assessment of knowledge acquisition is still incipient. As a way of contributing to ascertain how and how much 3D VLEs collaborate with the process of obtaining knowledge, we propose a Theoretical Model for Assessment of Knowledge Acquisition from the perspective of Cognitive Theories. In this context, this study presents the model proposed and the results from an experimental study conducted with students in the healthcare field, using a 3D Virtual Atlas of Anatomy as a tool to support the teaching. Results also showed that the Theoretical Model for Assessment of Knowledge Acquisition is viable to assess the level of learning supported by 3D VLEs, even if we did not find correlation between specific interactions with the virtual environment and the learning results observed, but only with the time spent exploring the VLE.