Extending the Use of Collaborative Virtual Environments

for Instruction to K-12 Schools

January 16, 2000

Project Description

With the advent of high-speed networks, it is now possible to create collaborative tools that will benefit education and research projects. Virginia Tech is committed to building an Advanced Communications Information Technology Center (ACITC) where collaborative virtual environments (VE), such as the CAVE, can be used to solve many problems associated with distance learning, outreach and research across the state of Virginia. This project will link the Central Virginia Governor's School in Lynchburg, the Central Shenandoah Valley Governor's School in Fishersville, and a third school via the Internet to the Virginia Tech CAVE.

The goal of this project is to demonstrate that users at a CAVE site and users running the EVL CAVE Simulator can deliver a collaborative virtual learning environment to K-12 students in remote locations across Virginia. This project is a joint venture between the VT-CAVE Group, the Virginia Tech Institute for Connecting Science Research to the Classroom, the Virginia Governor's Schools and SGI.

Objectives

Progress to Date

Tasks completed to date:

Project Leaders

Dr. Ronald D. Kriz

Principal Contact and Director of the University Visualization and Animation Group of the Advanced Communication Information Technology Center, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

Dr. Thomas Morgan

Director, Central Virginia Governor's School for Science and Technology, Lynchburg, VA