The Use of Virtual Reality in Learning Civil Engineering
Nurul Rahmah binti Rosli @ Wasli
University Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak.
Abstract
Many studies have been conducted on the use of virtual reality in education and training. In education, new technology is used to enhance the learning process. Mobile has become one of the technology offers educators a way to communicate with students using the appropriate application for learning. Virtual reality has reached a sufficient level of development for it to be considered in innovative applications such as education, training and research in higher education. With the creation of virtual reality has been used in education, it allows students to learn, to explore and develop
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There are various ways that have been in apply in education by using virtual reality, this happens because the process of education nowadays uses more technology than using the old way like drawing manually. It is also to attract students and to familiarize school students with a variety of existing software that has been designed for ease in education. Virtual reality in education also aims to facilitate the learning process and aims to train the students to be more proficient in using virtual reality software.
Definition of virtual reality is "A technology that assures participants that he was actually in another place by replacing the main sensory input with data received by the computer" [6] [10]. One of the key elements of the virtual reality of cyberspace; it is a space fantasy or simulation environment. Which is always linked here is a virtual world and immersion virtual reality, perception is born into the world of alternatives such as ethereal or other point of view of our world
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Normally, three-dimensional geometric models, which are used to present architectural and engineering works, show only their final form, not allowing the observation of their physical evolution. The use of techniques of virtual reality in the development of these educational applications brings new perspectives to the teaching of subjects in the area of civil engineering (A.Z Sampaio & P.G Henriques, 2006).
Background
A history of the beginning of the year augmented reality 1957-1962, when an inventor named Morton Heilig, a cinematographer, created and patented a simulator called Sensorama with visual, vibration and odor. In Virtual Reality technology, users interact with the virtual environment created for simulating the real world, but the user can not see the real world around him. In the augmented reality technology, the user can see the real world around him with the addition of a virtual object generated by a computer. Augmented reality 3D objects that appear directly in the media, it would require a special tool called a Head Mounted Display
Virtual reality gives a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional picture or environment that encompasses a client and can be associated with in an apparently real or physical way by an individual utilizing uncommon electronic equipment, for example, a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors. It has the capacity react, typically through immersive head-mounted displays (HMDs) and head tracking. Gloves giving hand tracking and haptic/touch-delicate feedback may be utilized too. Room-based frameworks give a three dimensional experience to various users; nonetheless, they are more constrained in communication abilities. A standout amongst the most popular virtual reality gadgets is the Oculus Rift.
Unlike real reality, virtual reality simulates us with the use of computers and equipment, like headsets and gloves. Other than its usual known use for games and entertainment, it's long been used for training airline pilots and surgeons and for helping scientists to figure out complex problems such as the structure of protein molecules.
Now that you have understood augmented reality, it should be easier for you to understand virtual reality. To explain in easy terms, in virtual reality you as a user are taken into the virtual world. Contrast it with augmented reality where the virtual objects make their way into your world. Once you are in the virtual world, you can move in this world, interact with those objects and to some extent end up believing that this is your real world. You can segment virtual reality into many types based on DOF (degrees of freedom). To explain DOF in easy terms, this is a measure of how freely you can interact with the virtual world you are in and move around in
But if we are looking for a more modern take on virtual reality we would start in the early 1800’s with a paint style called “Panoramic paintings”. So what are these and how do they relate to virtual reality. Well these paintings were made to fill a person’s field of vision, making them feel like they are at the historical event, scene, or battle they are looking at. (“History Of Virtual Reality”, 2017).
Virtual reality can be used as an educational tool to assist not only students but teachers as well. Another major benefit of virtual reality is its use in the healthcare field. It can be used to treat several medical conditions such as anxiety disorders, mental health issues such as phobias, and it can even be used as a pain reliever (Matheison, 2017).
The term Virtual Reality is a very unique way of bringing life to a world which doesn't even exist. There are many ways by which people have been trying to bring in the consent of the audience and to grab their interest. The history of virtual reality is marvelous in terms of what it was and what it is now. When before 1960s virtual reality existed, it was popular with the term "Pygmalion's Spectacles". Then there was "View-Master" a device in which there was a circular disc having small pictures in it and to view these pictures a person has to use a viewer where he places the disc inside of the designated place and then view in the direction of light. Then from the year 2000 onwards there were many platforms
The definition of virtual reality comes, naturally, from the definitions for both ‘virtual’ and ‘reality’. The definition of ‘virtual’ is near and reality is what we experience as human beings. So, the term ‘virtual reality’ basically means ‘near-reality’. This could, of course, mean anything but it usually refers to a specific type of reality emulation. Also, virtual reality is the term used to describe a three-dimensional, computer generated environment which a person can explore and interact with. That person becomes part of this virtual world or is immersed within this environment and whilst there, a series of actions can be manipulated objects or performed.
The term Virtual Reality (VR) is used by many different people with many meanings. There are some people to whom VR is a specific collection of technologies, that is a Head Mounted Display, Glove Input Device and Audio. Some other people stretch the term to include conventional books, movies or pure fantasy and imagination. However, for purposes of this research, we restrict VR to computer mediated systems. We would define Virtual Reality as a way for humans to visualize, manipulate and interact with computers and extremely complex data.
Although still in its, infancy, virtual reality will have a substantial effect on our future way of life. Virtual reality already has made astounding progress in the world of commercial design, and it is predicted to have a tremendous impact on everyday life as well. Virtual reality, when more available, will have various uses ranging from recreation to basic communication. The applications of virtual reality into different fields of occupations and research will have both positive and negative effects on our society.
The whole in Chapter 2 is a critical literature review. In this chapter, it discussed on the VR and types of VR. In addition, it also discussed on the AR area include components, display, issues, definition, differential VR and VR. This also covered that cognitive development theory, learning theory, and learing style. All reviews are followed with the implication for each topic to this study.
Over the years society has changed in many different ways. In particular, technology has been the largest change that has occurred over the year. Only a few years ago the iPhone came out and it has forever changed the way people view their phone. Internet has also become very assessable resource. There are places everywhere to access a computer or free Wi-Fi. These changes have led to the alteration of the accessibility and use of technology in the education setting. The changes made to technology in the education setting have led to many positive outcomes that have allowed many types of people access to education that could not get it prior. There are however, many critics that refute these changes and say that virtual education can be biased and expensive. Although, there are many critics that do not agree with technology in education, have this can give access to many students with disabilities as well as people who have limited time or ability to further an education.
Virtual reality gives huge benefits in education and helps to improve student engagement. It’s one of the best ways to engage and helps the students to understand the subject through virtual reality system. Especially in the virtual reality game will bring significant impact to teenagers. The major three types of impact are social difficulty (socially impaired), physical and psychological difficulty. Even virtual reality is a great tool to learn, but it is not a universal learning method for all of the educational areas. Too much of virtual reality for students will cause social difficulties because an inescapable aspect of social life is the formation and maintenance of interpersonal relationships (Biocca and Levy 1995). Constantly using virtual reality will cause isolation from the societies because the person already made his or her own social area which only exists in the virtual world. VR will provide a communication environment in which the dangers of deception and the benefits of creativity are amplified beyond the levels that humans currently experience in their interpersonal interactions (Biocca and Levy 1995). It could lead to low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness and insignificance, even self-destructive acts (Cartwright, 1994). VR games could mindlessly, energy sapping diversion, bring electronic isolation, a playground for immortality (Kershner 1995). Virtual Reality game brings physical and psychological difficulties when they over run and it could be called as cyber sickness. VR interventions were able to increase physical activity capacity and performance in children with CP (Cerebral palsy) or early brain injury. Cyber sickness is one of the physiological impacts durin...
Virtual Reality allows designers and developers to create an experience that is not real, but gives the effects and the experience as being real, hence, a virtual reality! There are many ways in which this can be used such as for games, simulations, training, experiencing a distant location from the comfort of your home and so much more.
Using technology in education for the purpose of better understanding is a positive step taken by most of the schools, colleges and universities all around the world. Technology can play vital role in improving education systems. You can see electronic gadgets and computers being used in schools, colleges and universities. Audio visual tools are developed to teach complex topics to students in fun way. Faiza Abdur Rab, in her articles ‘Recreational Activities vs. Studies’ said that the lifestyle and education had become more competitive as science and technology is progressing (Rab, 2009). This advancement had brought many noticeable changes in methods and approach of learning and education. This progress is making people of the developing countries to meet the challenges of world. This is also helpful in improving the style and standards of living.
All of our lives, we have gone through school learning with many other students in a classroom, and using books. But what if things were to change? What if instead of getting up to go to school, we simply had to just turn our computers on. Virtual Education is becoming a new way to teach and learn. Using computers, students can interact with other students and instructors, go to a history lecture with people all across the world, and even dissect frogs.