Using immersive game-based virtual reality to teach fire-safety skills to children |
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Authors: | Shana Smith Emily Ericson |
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Affiliation: | (1) Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan;(2) Raytheon Company, Waltham, MA, USA |
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Abstract: | Virtual reality (VR) has been used both to simulate situations that are too dangerous to practice in real life and as a tool
to help children learn. This study was conducted as part of a larger more comprehensive long-term research project which aims
to combine the two techniques and demonstrate a novel application of the result, using immersive VR to help children learn
about fire hazards and practice escape techniques. In the current study, a CAVE was used to immerse participants in a fire
scene. To improve the children’s motivation for learning over prior VR fire-safety training methods, game-like interface interaction
techniques were used and students were encouraged to explore the virtual world. Rather than being passive viewers, as in prior
related studies, the children were given full control to navigate through the virtual environment and to interact with virtual
objects using a game pad and a 6DOF wand. Students identified home fire hazards with a partner and then practiced escaping
from a simulated fire in the virtual environment. To test for improved motivation, a user study was completed. Results indicate
that students were more engaged by the new game-like learning environment and that they reported that they found the experience
fun and intriguing. Their enhanced enthusiasm for what is relatively standard fire-safety information demonstrates the promise
of using game-based virtual environments for vital but otherwise tedious fire-safety skills training for children. |
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Keywords: | Virtual reality (VR) Immersive CAVE Game based Fire safety Children |
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