Virtual tools help children enjoy learning

When wearing a special audiovisual device, elementary school students in Singapore will see planets rotating in the solar system, or watch flowers bloom in the spring, as if they are in front of them.

The system being tested in this country has the name " integrated reality ", which will display graphics as 3D images. It allows students, through a combination worn on their heads, to see the moving and interactive images of the solar system, or plants as if they were in the classroom with them.

The system works through tables arranged on a desk. When a user looks at the table via the display mounted on the head, the combination will recognize the board and display the image.

For example, with the solar system, students will see the planets and move them to the right order, or "dissect" the earth to see what's inside. Meanwhile, virtual plants can germinate and grow, allowing students to observe how they reproduce.

The system also has a camera, so that other students can see what their friends are watching on a big screen.

Wei Liu, from the Integrated Reality Lab, the system developer said the students reacted very positively when learning in a new way."They say 'it is very interesting,' 'the image is so appealing,' 'I like this topic." I want my school to have such a system, " she said.

However, the cost of the system is still high.

When wearing the combination, students will see virtual tools.(Photo: BBC)

Students can " slice " the earth like this to learn inside. (Photo: BBC)

T. An