Studying the effect of redundancy in a virtual reality classroom

Educational technology research and development - Redundancy effect has been investigated in many controlled experimental studies, however, it is seldom investigated whether the same redundant...     

Chaos and control of discrete dynamic traffic model

This study discusses chaotic traffic flow. The discrete dynamic model proposed herein is derived from both the flow-density-speed fundamental diagram and Greenshield's model. The model employs occupancy as its variable and the ratio of free flow and average speed as its control parameter. The function form of the model is equal to logistic map that bifurcates when the value of the control parameter increases. Chaotic traffic means that traffic becomes unstable and unpredictable, which is dangerous for driving. Therefore, this study considers the implementation of chaotic control in signal or ramp metering design so as to stabilize the chaotic traffic phenomena. These results are illustrated by numerical examples.     

Study of co-located and distant collaboration with symbolic support via a haptics-enhanced virtual reality task

This study intends to investigate how multi-symbolic representations (text, digits, and colors) could effectively enhance the completion of co-located/distant collaborative work in a virtual reality context. Participants’ perceptions and behaviors were also studied. A haptics-enhanced virtual reality task was developed to conduct collaborative work. An experiment was conducted with which participants were separated into four groups with the combinations of two variables: w/o multi-symbols and co-located/distant. Performance results show that multi-symbolic representations significantly helped users reduce the time in completing a task in the co-located case. Perception results show that awareness, presence and social presence are highly correlated to usefulness, ease of use and playfulness. Further, behavior analysis found two strategies beneficial to the completion of collaborative work with which divide and conquer is used in problem solving. In addition, the major failure mode is identified and it implies that participants had problems in depth perception. In summary, multi-symbolic representations in haptics-enhanced virtual reality systems have potentials to effectively help collaborative work.     

Learning Computer Graphics Using Virtual Reality Technologies Based on Constructivism – Case Study of the WebDeGrator System

This study applies constructivist principles and Virtual Reality (VR) technology to the Web-based Interactive Design Graphics (WebDeGrator) system to improve learning computer graphics. The constructivist treatment provides students with access to their choice of source content, three-dimensional (3D) modeling tools and interactive behaviors in a virtual environment. In this study, we developed a VR-based learning system to simulate and adjust computer graphics through sculpture graphic algorithms in real-time. We will discuss the relationship between constructivism and VR technology and also how the WebDeGrator system encourages student-learning through VR technology.