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Virtual Reality: Potential for Research in Engineering Education
Author(s) -
Ross William A.,
Aukstakalnis Steven
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
journal of engineering education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.896
H-Index - 108
eISSN - 2168-9830
pISSN - 1069-4730
DOI - 10.1002/j.2168-9830.1994.tb01117.x
Subject(s) - virtual reality , process (computing) , engineering design process , human–computer interaction , computer science , engineering education , augmented reality , rapid prototyping , engineering , multimedia , systems engineering , engineering management , mechanical engineering , operating system
A bstract Computer systems have recently been developed which enable the prototyping of 3D CAD models as though the designed objects were actually real. The systems incorporate the use of display devices which are worn on the user's head, instrumented gloves which provide tactile feedback and enable the intuitive manipulation of virtual objects, and 3D acoustic displays. For its first major objective, this paper describes such systems, reviews a number of current applications developed for use within the engineering and design community, and suggests future applications. The techniques described should also be applicable to educational research in engineering. The second major objective of this paper is to propose research and instructional adaptations of virtual reality for students involved in engineering design, analysis, and evaluation activities. Additionally, because of the unique “immersive” nature of virtual reality, the potential exists for incorporating transparent data acquisition systems to track and analyze the design process as well as student performance. The potential for enabling research through the development of new and unique instructional methods in engineering education is virtually unlimited.