Learning science concepts are very often challenging, especially when complex concepts are involved. Teachers have recourse to many different types of teaching methods which are however limited when it comes to explaining students about three dimensionality concepts. With these limitations, the teaching methods fall short in increasing the interest of students. It is therefore important to understand how the new generation learns and hence to teach them accordingly. Virtual Reality (VR) is an emerging technology which can be used for teaching science concepts. VR is innovative and hence easily captures students’ interest. This paper presents the results of some preliminary studies conducted with a view to showing the extent to which VR is a memorable experience for students, in order to support its use for teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) concepts

Abstract. Current immersive Virtual Reality (VR) system strategies do not fully support dynamic Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and since there is a growing need for better immersion, due consideration should be given to integrate additional modalities for improved HCI. While feedback in Virtual Environments (VE) is predominantly provided to the user through the visual and auditory channels, additional modalities such as haptics can increase the sense of presence and efficiency in VE simulations. Haptic interfaces can enhance the VE interaction by enabling users to "touch" and "feel" virtual objects that are simulated in the environment. This paper examines the reasons behind its integration based on the limitations of present immersive projection system.

Abstract. Within the confines of a Virtual Environment (VE) almost anything is possible. It is easy to establish the benefits such an application could provide throughout the many walks of life, and yet current VE development remains within the domain of Virtual Reality application programmers. We describe methods that enhance VE development, first by providing scene creation for non-programmers, and second through a scene management entity that controls interaction within the environment. We explore methods for interacting through the scene to enable multiuser collaboration, and detail sample applications making use of this approach.

Abstract. This paper introduces a tool set consisting of open source libraries that are being developed to facilitate the quick and easy implementation of collaborative VR applications. It describes functionality that can be used for generating and displaying a Virtual Environment (VE) on varied VR platforms. This is enhanced to provide collaboration support through additional modules such as networking. Two existing VR applications which make use of these tools are described. Both were developed effortlessly over a short period of time, and demonstrate the power of these tools for implementing a diverse range of applications.

Abstract. As we increase our ability to produce and store ever larger amounts of data, it is becoming increasingly difficult to understand what the data is trying to tell us. Not all the data we are currently producing can easily fit into traditional visualization methods. This paper presents a new and novel visualization technique based on the concept of a Data Forest. Our Data Forest has been developed to be utilised by virtual reality (VR) systems. VR is a natural information medium. This approach can easily be adapted to be used in collaborative environments. A test application has been developed to demonstrate the concepts involved and a collaborative version tested.