Creating a 4D Photoreal VR Environment to Teach Civil Engineering
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Creating a 4D Photoreal VR Environment to Teach Civil Engineering
James Walker,
Ahmed Elamin,
Denis Stepanov,
Matthew Pike,
Dave Towey,
Ran Wei
IEEE International Conference on Teaching, Assessment, and Learning for Engineering (TALE) | 2019
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Abstract
Motivated by recent developments in AR/VR technology and accessibility, an interdisciplinary team at a Sino-foreign Higher Education Institution in China developed a virtual reality learning resource for civil engineering students. Traditional field trips, while beneficial, present challenges related to safety, logistics, and accessibility. This study presents the development of a photoreal virtual field trip that allows students to explore the full construction process of a university library through a 4D environment. The experience, accessible via phone-based VR headsets, enables students to navigate both spatially and chronologically through different stages of construction. This paper details the challenges encountered in developing the environment, along with the solutions implemented to enhance student engagement. The results highlight how photoreal VR environments can provide valuable educational experiences, especially in disciplines where real-world site access is limited.