Game-based and Virtual Reality Sandboxes: Inclusive, Immersive, Accessible, and Affordable Learning Environments

Abstract Learning complex engineering concepts in varying fields, from learning how to prototype a circuit on a breadboard all the way to learning about the complex geological features that make up well known terrains, require hands-on experience as well as access to sophisticated equipment. In the former situation, many educational institutions can afford lab equipment such as electronic components and large laboratory workplaces. However, there are instances where purchasing expensive equipment for learning is not a viable option. In the latter case, learning about the geological features of a place such as the Grand Canyon is limited to using 2D topographic maps and 3D virtual models; students may not completely comprehend rock strata of terrain through readings and images. We have been developing a fully immersive virtual reality application to tackle these problems; to help students learn through an inclusive, immersive, comprehensive, and accessible environment. The application, called the VR Sandbox, makes use of the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset and the Unity game engine to simulate in-person lab settings and activities. Current developments include an electrical engineering lab where circuits can be modeled and simulated as if the user was in a real laboratory setting. Along with this is a mechanical engineering lab with the activity of assembling a drone and flying it using a radio controller. These tasks are done by wearing the VR headset, which provides a 360° viewing experience, while the handheld haptic feedback controllers are used to interact with the components. The Virtual Reality (VR) Sandbox also provides tours of key national parks such as the Grand Canyon and Swiss National Park, enabling users to visit these locations as if they were there in real life. With these developments, educational intuitions that are not able to afford expensive lab spaces and equipment will have a more feasible option: purchasing low-cost VR headsets for students while still gaining quality educational experience. For a more detailed analysis of terrains, in the field of Earth systems and civil engineering applications, we have been developing another technology called the Virtual Game based Sandbox (VG Sandbox). The VG Sandbox is a web-based computer application, developed using the Unity Game Engine, that teaches users about complex surface terrain model analysis by providing a combination of tools, tutorials, and examples in an intuitive, real-time digital environment. The application includes functionality for measuring horizontal and slope distances, angles, and generate parallel lines between points, visualizing planar structures with the three-point plane problem approach, dynamic topographic line mapping, and generating rivers using a particle-based fluid simulation. To further assist users in their analysis endeavors, each tool also contains a matching tutorial, and in some cases may contain example models to help users understand particularly difficult topics. User experience was of paramount importance; the application provides an intuitive user interface, as well as a robust camera controller for easily navigating the digital terrain model. Additionally, users are provided with functionality for drawing directly onto the terrain mesh itself, saving user progress, and exporting usage statistics.

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