The 9 th International Scientific Conference eLearning and software for Education Bucharest, April 25-26, 2013 HAPTIC FEEDBACK SYSTEMS IN EDUCATION Dorin-Mircea Popovici, Felix G. Hamza-Lup Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, OVIDIUS University of Constanta,124 Mamaia Bd., 900537, Constanta, Romania dmpopovici@univ-ovidius.ro , fham76@gmail.com Crenguta M. Bogdan Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, OVIDIUS University of Constanta,124 Mamaia Bd., 900537, Constanta, Romania cbogdan@univ-ovidius.ro Abstract: This paper brings into discussion some of the most relevant technological issues involving haptic systems in education. One of these issues is choosing the suitable haptic hardware, API or framework for developing a visuo-haptic e-Learning system. The decision is based on several criteria such as multimodal resources needed by the software system, compatibility with haptic devices, dynamic configuration of the scene, and so on. Another issue is related to the software system reactivity at the user actions. The immediate haptic feedback from virtual models, together with the synchronisation of haptic and visual cues generated by computer to its users are essential for enhancing the user’s learning path. Such models help to obtain accurate training scenarios developed for the teaching, for example, of medical protocols, or chemical or physical processes. Keywords: haptic feedback, education, training, virtual environment I. CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION Haptics is the science of merging tactile sensation with computer applications, thereby enabling users to receive feedback they can feel (in addition to auditory and visual cues). Multimodal environments where visual, auditory and haptic stimuli are present convey information more efficiently since the user manipulates and experiences the environment through multiple sensory channels. The availability of haptic systems enables the augmentation of traditional instruction with interactive interfaces offering enhanced motivation and intellectual stimulation. Although the haptic devices have not made large inroads into education, we believe that the potential for revolutionary change now exists due to the recent availability of both the hardware and software components. II. CHAPTER II – SUCCES STORIES ON USING HAPTICS IN EDUCATION The potential of haptic interfaces was initially proved in various medical training applications like cardiology [1], prostate cancer diagnosis [2], injection [3] and lumbar punctures procedures [4], surgery [5,6] and angioplasty interventions[7], rhinoscopy and bronchoscopy procedures [8], palpatory diagnosis [9], but also in orthopedic drilling [10] and bone surgery procedures [11]. In [3], the use of haptic device is studied in a combination with speech input and output as interaction means that supplementary triggers emotion at the level of a virtual patient. Dentistry procedures (as implants [12] or dental preparations [13]) are usually trained using mixed realities (VR/AR) in combination with haptic feedback. The system proposed by [14,15] allows