Cognitive modifiability in 3D-IVR and 2D computerized environments: The effects of rotation of information resources and shift of viewing angles

Research findings indicate that cognitive achievements are significantly improved by practice of cognitive abilities in the 3D Immersive Virtual Reality (3D-IVR) environment. The current study focuses on the effects of two spatial characteristics of the computer environment, Rotation of Information Resources (RIR) and Shift of Viewing Angles (SVA), on cognitive modifiability as measured in a dynamic assessment (DA) procedure. The DA was composed of modified versions of the Analogies Subtest (AN) from the Cognitive Modifiability Battery (CMB) adapted for the computerized environment and includes pre-teaching, teaching, and post-teaching phases. The analogies contain dimensions of color, number, height, and position. In the teaching phase, children mediated various problem-solving strategies. The sample was composed of children in Grades 1 and 2 (n = 73). They were randomly assigned to either 3D-IVR or 2D conditions. Higher frequency of use of SVA contributed significantly to pre- to post-teaching improvement of analogical thinking. Higher improvements were found in dimensions of height and position than in color and number. The dimensions of height and position are specifically connected to spatial perception, hence the higher improvement. The findings are explained in relation to the importance of the use of SVA and RIR as crucial spatial characteristics for developing cognitive maps formation, and cognitive performance.