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Teaching Virtual Environments — Nick Avis and Derek Wills
Nick and Derek started by discussing their MSc in Computer Graphics and Virtual Environments course at Hull. This started in 1994 when it had 8 students, rising to 13 in 1995/6 and is expected to be over 25 in 1996/7. The student backgrounds include computer science, physics, business studies, etc. The department has EPSRC support
The course involves eight taught modules plus dissertation project:
• Computer Graphics
• Visualization
• Object oriented Software Engineering
• Computing Skills
• Project Skills
• Graphics Application Systems
• High Performance Computing for Graphics
• Virtual Environments
The speakers see virtual reality as the integration of:
• Computer Graphics
• Visualization
• Object Oriented Software Engineering
• Computing Skills
• Project Skills
• Graphics Application Systems
• High Performance Computing for Graphics
The course involves both taught modules and practicals and the assessment is through exams and coursework. Open book exams and 100% coursework are being considered.
Hardware ranges from PCs to unix workstations and a ratio of 1 workstation to 2 students is the aim. dVS/dVISE (version 2, upgraded to version 3)is used as the package for most applications.
Examples of projects include:
the use of stereoscopic vision in arthroscopy training
video walkthroughs
interactive soft object animation tool
Monte-Carlo radiosity
Group projects are also undertaken.
The department collaborates with various companies including: PERA
Halifax, VR Solutions Ltd
Student feedback and lessons learnt include:
• students find module enjoyable/challenging
• exposure to new concepts is enjoyable
• students expect exposure to immersive technology which is achieved through a trip to SGI Reality Centre to see state-of-the art systems/peripherals
This is an ever changing area and the course needs constant update. There also needs to be a greater robustness of software tools with systems not yet sufficiently stable. There is a need for standards in this area and for support of teachers. Textbooks are needed.
The speakers suggested that people could be helped by the following:
• need to collaborate to produce robust, high quality teaching material
• on-line archives of models etc
• executable lecture notes
• better textbooks
• loan equipment?
• support on curriculum development
• identify VE centres to develop key components of lecture material
• list of visiting speakers
Graphics Multimedia Virtual Environments Visualisation Contents