Virtual Reality Labs on Wheels (VRLoWs): an approach to introduce 3D immersive virtual reality to STEM education and outreach for K-12 and higher education
Class
Article
Department
Engineering and Technology Education
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR), a computer-generated environment that can give people the illusion of participating in the real world or imagined worlds, is moving beyond the games and entertainment industry towards classrooms of all levels. With the unique advantage of rendering three-dimensional (3D) objects in an interactive environment, VR can give students a new and potentially powerful way to learn the abstract and spatial dependent concepts in STEM education. However, the VR technology is still beyond the reach of many schools in the United States because the costs of equipment and maintenance of the VR systems are too expensive. Virtual Reality Labs on Wheels (VRLoW) is a fully immersive 3D virtual environment using CAVE system installed on forty-eight feet deep drop trailers that can be based at USU and deployed virtually to any school in the state at any time. Through short visits to the VRLoWs, students can explore virtual worlds of DNA or chemical molecule's structures, attend virtual field trips, or learn physics with force feedback devices in a game-like environment. This project provides conceptual framework about the design and development of VRLoWs and their uses in a proposed educational project. K-12 educators can employ state of the art of VR technology to connect simulated virtual worlds with real-life course topics, nurture students' creative and visual thinking abilities, and encourage students' interests and engagements in STEM fields. Key words: virtual reality, CAVE, STEM education, outreach, spatial visualization
Start Date
4-9-2015 12:00 PM
Virtual Reality Labs on Wheels (VRLoWs): an approach to introduce 3D immersive virtual reality to STEM education and outreach for K-12 and higher education
Virtual reality (VR), a computer-generated environment that can give people the illusion of participating in the real world or imagined worlds, is moving beyond the games and entertainment industry towards classrooms of all levels. With the unique advantage of rendering three-dimensional (3D) objects in an interactive environment, VR can give students a new and potentially powerful way to learn the abstract and spatial dependent concepts in STEM education. However, the VR technology is still beyond the reach of many schools in the United States because the costs of equipment and maintenance of the VR systems are too expensive. Virtual Reality Labs on Wheels (VRLoW) is a fully immersive 3D virtual environment using CAVE system installed on forty-eight feet deep drop trailers that can be based at USU and deployed virtually to any school in the state at any time. Through short visits to the VRLoWs, students can explore virtual worlds of DNA or chemical molecule's structures, attend virtual field trips, or learn physics with force feedback devices in a game-like environment. This project provides conceptual framework about the design and development of VRLoWs and their uses in a proposed educational project. K-12 educators can employ state of the art of VR technology to connect simulated virtual worlds with real-life course topics, nurture students' creative and visual thinking abilities, and encourage students' interests and engagements in STEM fields. Key words: virtual reality, CAVE, STEM education, outreach, spatial visualization