Abstract:
VR (Virtual Reality) is an emerging computer interface that has the potential to have tremendous impact on engineering education, by providing students with new insights in to their studies and permitting them to explore environments that would be otherwise inaccessible. However before that potential can be fully exploited, engineering educators must fist learn not only the mechanics of VR, but also the intricacies of how best to apply this new tool to scientific and technical education. Besides developing effective methodology, another primary goal of this research is to reach as many students as possible on a nationwide basis, which requires the use of relatively inexpensive (student affordable) personal computers as a base platform. Effectively portraying technical information in real time using minimal computing power requires special simulation techniques that are unique to this environment. It allows students to use personal computers to walk through simulated environments of pre-designed objects and information. This paper addresses the VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) based learning environment developed using desktop virtual reality category and to introduce visualization of mechanical objects, an areas of engineering education where VRML can be used to supplement conventional teaching methods using world wide web-based techniques.
Page(s):
103-108
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, Volume: 23, Issue: 2, Year: 2004