The Effects of 3D Technology on the Brain during Learning and Memory Recall Processes

This study has been aimed to evaluate the short-term and the long-term effects of 3D-technology on the human brain in the learning and memory recall processes using Electroen- cephalogram (EEG) signals. EEG signals were recorded in the learning and memory recall tasks using the 128-channel HydroCel Geodesic Net from 3D and 2D groups of participants. This was per- formed in such a way that their intelligence and age were controlled between the groups. They watched 3D or 2D animations as learning content and recalled the content after 30 minutes of learning for short-term and after two months for the long-term effects. The behavioral results of the short-term recall showed a 3.40% mean increase in the 3D group; 0.38 second faster than the 2D group. The long-term recall results were also better in the 3D group (0.5% increase); 1.25 seconds faster than the 2D group. The neurophysiological results of the 3D group indicated more medical temporal activation dur- ing learning than the 2D group, which reflected more involvement of the hippocampus. In conclusion, 3D technology improves learning and requires less mental effort to remember as compared to tra- ditional multimedia 2D technology. Study supported by: Universtiti Teknologi PETRONAS and King Saud University, Saudi Arabia under the National Plan for Science and Technology grant (No: 12-INF2582-02).