The Research Council grant has been awarded to Dr. Fang Wang (PI) and TELL Director – Dr. Xinhao Xu (Co-PI) for the project titled, Virtual Lab: An Interactive 3D Mixed Reality Laboratory for Education and Learning.

The overall objective of this proposal is to build and test a 3D interactive virtual microfabrication cleanroom lab using the cutting-edge virtual reality and mixed reality technology, collect and analyze user experience and learning outcome data,  and investigate its effectiveness in education and training. It is important to note that the VR labs would not be limited only to the cleanroom lab described herein, but have a great potential of being used in a variety of operation-intensive settings, as well as transforming vocational trainings. The purpose is to test whether such a virtual lab can deliver satisfactory quality of trainings as in a conventional physical lab.

Aim 1: To replicate a physical lab in a 3D interactive virtual lab environment. Using game engine and 3D modeling software, we will model the 3D lab environment including equipment and tools necessary to conduct the lab.

Aim 2: To develop a virtual lab curriculum. A lab curriculum will be designed and developed based on the tasks that students need to complete in a physical lab environment.

Aim 3: To test the user experience and learning outcome in a mixed reality setting. We will assess the performance of our VR lab design by examining user experience and learning outcomes.

Figure 1. Real Cleanroom Lab

Figure 2. 3D VR Interactive Lab