Audioworld: A Spatial Audio Tool for Acoustic and Cognitive Learning

The present paper introduces Audioworld, a novel game-like application for goal-oriented computer-supported learning (CSL). In Audioworld, participants localize sound emitting objects depending on their spatial position. Audioworld serves as a flexible low cost test bed for a broad range of human cognitive functions. This comprises the systematic training of spatial navigation and localization skills, but also of verbal skills and phonetic knowledge known to be essential in grammar literacy, for example. The general applicability of Audioworld was confirmed in a pilot study: users rated the overall application concept novel, entertaining, and rewarding.