Innovative Next-Generation Virtual Reality-based Immersive Approaches for Learning Engineering Concepts

Abstract This paper discusses an innovative approach to teach engineering concepts using Virtual Reality based Learning Environments (VLEs). An ancillary Trust involved introducing students to learn about complex Concepts by getting them to design and build 3D based virtual prototyping environments. Both these approaches when I introduced as part of two courses. One was a senior and graduate level elective in manufacturing; the other was an interdisciplinary elective (which was an introduction to cyber physical systems course) for senior and graduate engineering and computer science students. These Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality based learning environments were used to teach various topics including micro assembly, satellite assembly, genetic algorithms and factory automation. The project-based learning encouraged students to visualize and simulate various engineering Concepts and principles using both virtual reality and mixed reality Technologies and tools. The assessment activities had two thrusts: (i) the first was to assess impact of VR and MR based VLEs on student learning and engagement (ii) second thrust was to study the impact of student experiences when they created 3D mixed reality-based environments on the learning of advanced engineering concepts and principles. The latter involved students creating simulations to demonstrate the understanding of target principles (such as for example 3D based assembly sequence generation using genetic algorithms, work cell design, navigation on the Lunar Surface, habitats for astronauts for living on the moon, among others). The learning outcomes including student performance are discussed. The process undertaken to design and develop these VLEs are elaborated along with the technologies used to develop such environments. A brief discussion of next generation Internet technologies which hold the potential to impact engineering learning is also provided.