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Design, Learning, and Collaboration Assignment 4 Jonathan Marbach February 4th, 2002 Note: This project may or may not fulfill the requirements for a course project. Although ambitious, it may not cover enough aspects of design, learning, and collaboration to be acceptable for the course. Project Title: The Molecular Explorer The basic idea is to build an immersive 3d chemistry learning tool in which participants can construct molecules from individual atoms by using their hands. Through use of a "data glove", the user could virtually "grab" atoms, orienting them and bringing them together to form simple molecules. Creation of atoms could be driven by voice commands. The intention would be to develop this system at the BP Visualization Center for use in their immersive "Cave" environment. This idea is similar to how atomic bonding and attraction is currently taught with wooden balls and sticks. (At least, I remember doing it in science class!) The downside to the method is that it, in my opinion, was largely unsuccessful due to the short supply of parts, the poor condition of those parts, and the general awkwardness of trying to get something like that to stay together long enough to be appreciated! The advantage to a virtual system should be apparent. (To what extent the advantage goes needs to be explored though.) The way the project fits into the course is that it involves creating (designing) new educational media that actively involves the learner. It is a good opportunity to study user interface issues in an immersive 3D environment. The aspect I'm not certain about is the collaborative aspect.
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