Get a new perspective on the human cell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

A Pedagogical Example of a Real-Time 3D Virtual Environment

Thesis Project Proposal & Prototype, Spring 2005
Information, Design & Technology
School of Literature, Communication & Culture
http://idt.lcc.gatech.edu/
Georgia Institute of Technology

  

Grace Ou & Jeff Weese
Contact Us

  
           

Images

Technologies

Design Document (.pdf)

Cell_QuestionnaireForEducators.pdf

 

Key Terms:
cell, cell anatomy, cell structure, cell exploration, cell biology, animal cell, cell organelles, cell function, virtual cell, 3D cell, virtual model of the cell

Description
As an example of the possible use of experiential media in the classroom, we propose to produce a 3D real-time virtual environment of a eukaryotic cell to augment teaching core concepts in cell biology to beginning life science students. A key factor in the consideration of use of real-time learning space is the ability to create abstract conceptual environments that cannot be filmed, captured or conveyed by conventional methods. Our project will creatively employ 3D models, animation, and audio utilizing both a real-time environment prototyping tool and popular game engine to create dynamic settings to illustrate accurate cellular structure and processes. These visually stimulating elements combined with the experiential level of interactivity will be more appealing to the student, encourage meaningful interactive discourse, promote the learning of core concepts in cell biology and enhance understanding. Additionally, using this project as a simulation, we hope to provide students with an opportunity to explore a microscopic world at a level which is not readily accessible in the laboratory setting.

      
           
    Conceptual Motivation
Teaching cell structure has been traditionally approached by the use of illustrations and cut-away drawings. Fundamentally, the cell is a 3-dimensional object and perhaps the best way to show and explain cell structure and functions is to utilize 3D models and animation in either an immersive environment (user has first person perspective in the environment of the cell and can control their viewpoint), or by allowing the user to manipulate models of cell organelles, also controlling their viewing angle.		      
           
   

Virtools Prototype and Conceptual Testing
Currently, we have developed a prototype in the Virtools authoring environment as an initial conceptual model to show to educators and biology teachers. We plan to refine our teaching objectives based on their feedback.

Anyone who is interested in participating in the conceptual testing feedback should download the Cell_QuestionnaireForEducators.pdf or the editable MS Word file Cell_QuestionsForEducators.doc

We would certainly welcome constructive feedback!