Remote Learning and Virtual Reality Modelling (Jan. 99 - Sept. 99)

CAD Systems Magazing article: Virtualized reality models train emergency service personnel

During the time the Institute for Information Technology (IIT) was actively involved with Samuel-Genest, talks were taking place with between NRC, CRC, Industry Canada, OCRI and other interested parties on the possibilities of remote learning. The hurdles to remote learning are significant, and the impediments to broad implementation even more daunting. On the third meeting between all the parties, IIT suggested a test bed could be set up at IIT with several co-op students to be involved the project.

Goals of the project (listed in their original order of priority)

1. Teach six students advanced 3D design capability
2. Do this using remote learning technology
3. Develop methods and protocols for remote instruction
4. Use the work for research purposes
5. Contribute to NRC public awareness

Sample Clip (Requires RealPlayer)

On Feb 8/99, six student arrived for a coop term which would last until June 11. Their project was a reconstruction of a number of IIT laboratories in 3D for use by the Virtualized Reality Simulation Lab. For the first two weeks the students were instructed every day for three hours at IIT in 3D design. After this period the instruction was replaced by short assignments. The instructor would return at forty five minute intervals to answer questions. After two weeks of short assignments, instruction was given on the two remote learning technologies available to the students. We had selected two versions of remote communications, both internet based. The first was and audio/visual system which allowed the students to see and speak to the instructor. The second system allowed for sharing a computer screen between the student and the instructor as well as real time audio communication between instructor and student. The second system proved to be the most useful. It essentially gave the same capability as being in the classroom.

As the weeks progressed, it became apparent that the students would accomplish the project objectives at the half way point of their co-op term. After discussion with IIT researchers on the progress of the students, we decided to continue the project more aggressively to include reconstruction of all the external elements of the building as well as the foyer and most of the IIT space and furniture within the building. This had been a back burner project that had been in consideration for a few years. Having six trained 3D designers available for three hours a day provided IIT with the resources required for such a project. Estimation of the cost of having this done through an external company is approximately $100,000. In order for this to be accomplished, the instructor increased his classroom time and took on the role of project manager to ensure the quality of the model, although remote instruction was still used. In the later part of the project, the students seldom required instruction.

With a week left in the co-op program, the students completed the model. It is one of the most (if not the most) complex models ever created at NRC. This model opens up a new area of research for the Virtualized Reality Simulation Lab.

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