VR Lab presents new way to learn at MCC
Brian Matras
Issue date: 2/17/05 Section: News
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see the objects in life form, not in flat textbook pages", said MCC President Walter Packard. The lab will display interactive 3D models, allowing the user to view the subject from all angles with the ability to zoom in for close up study. These models differ in complexity, from a simple-rendered turbine engine, to a beautifully intricate model of a human heart.
MCC is the first community college in the state to acquire and implement this technology. As well, it will be designated as a regional training center. Companies such as Wells, Seaquist, and Dana have expressed interest in business applications according
to Lillian Roy, Faculty Development Chair. The only other known school in the country to be using VR in the classroom is the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
The VR lab enhancement is supported by a $9,200 technology grant as part of the SBC Excelerator program. Funded by the SBC foundation, the philanthropic arm of SBC Illinois. In addition to this grant, Friends of MCC has donated $2,500 to be used specifically toward the biology dept.
Now, the way the lab actually works is that two slightly different versions of the same image will be projected onto a silver screen using polarized light. The viewer, who must wear polarized glasses, will see a 3D image some distance between himself and the screen. The unit itself is actually quite small and was developed and installed by Information Services. It consists of a computer monitor, dual projectors, a computer to operate the projectors, a computer to run the program, and a silver projection screen. The 3D models are made displayable by software developed by Emergence Learning. These models can be quite expensive, thus a majority of the grant money will go toward purchasing them.
The lab is located in room E12 with intentions to be in full operation as soon as the Fall 2005 semester. Marla Garrison of the Science Dept. is eager to begin using the VR lab in her Human Bio 110 classroom. In conjunction with the VR lab she has developed a Quicktime program that is essentially an interactive video of existing plastic models. Before this, students only used the molded plastic and text book as reference. "Students at their computer workstations will be viewing the Quicktime movie, the VR projection, and a plastic model. It promises to be a totally immersive lab", she said.