Transforming an educational virtual reality simulation into a work of fine art.

This paper outlines user interface and interaction issues, technical considerations, and problems encountered in transforming an educational VR simulation of a reified kidney nephron into an interactive artwork appropriate for a fine arts museum.

Comparative usability studies of full vs. partial immersive virtual reality simulation for medical education and training.

Virtual reality (VR) simulation provides a means of making experiential learning reproducible and reusable. This study was designed to determine the efficiency and satisfaction components of usability. Previously, it was found that first year medical students using a VR simulation for medical education demonstrated effectiveness in learning as measured by knowledge structure improvements both with and without a head mounted display (HMD) but students using a HMD showed statistically greater improvement in knowledge structures compared to those not using a HMD. However, in this current analysis of other components of usability, there were no overall significance differences in efficiency (ease of use), nor in satisfaction, within this same group of randomized subjects comparing students using a HMD to those not using a HMD. These types of studies may be important in determining the most appropriate, cost effective VR simulation technology needed to achieve specific learning goals and objectives.

Flatland sound services design supports virtual medical training simulations.

This paper describes the evolution of the design of Flatland Sound Service (FSS), a sound system for virtual reality required to support Project TOUCH (Telehealth Outreach for Unified Community Health), a multi-year collaboration between the Schools of Medicine at the state Universities of Hawaii and of New Mexico. Two virtual sonic environments specific case scenarios, a neurological trauma (Toma) and a virtual kidney nephron (Nephron), were developed using integrated services provided by FSS. Flatland is an open source visualization and virtual reality application development tool created at the University of New Mexico.

Distributed interactive virtual environments for collaborative medical education and training: design and characterization.

Project TOUCH (Telehealth Outreach for Unified Community Health) is a collaborative effort between University of New Mexico and University of Hawaii. The purpose of the project is to demonstrate the feasibility of using advanced technologies to overcome geographical barriers to delivery of medical education and to enhance the learning process within a group setting. This has led to the design and implementation of a new system that addresses the critical requirements for collaborative virtual environments: consistency, networking, scalability, and system integration. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of the collaborative system based on use patterns during Project TOUCH sessions.