Games Simulation and Virtual Reality

Simulation is the imitation of the operation of a real-world process or system over time.The act of simulating something first requires that a model be developed; this model represents the key characteristics or behaviors/functions of the selected physical or abstract system or process. The model represents the system itself, whereas the simulation represents the operation of the system over time.

Historically, simulations used in different fields developed largely independently, but 20th century studies of Systems theory and Cybernetics combined with spreading use of computers across all those fields have led to some unification and a more systematic view of the concept

Simulation is extensively used for educational purposes. It is frequently used by way of adaptive hypermedia.

Simulation is often used in the training of civilian and military personnel. This usually occurs when it is prohibitively expensive or simply too dangerous to allow trainees to use the real equipment in the real world. In such situations they will spend time learning valuable lessons in a "safe" virtual environment yet living a lifelike experience (or at least it is the goal). Often the convenience is to permit mistakes during training for a safety-critical system. There is a distinction, though, between simulations used for training and Instructional simulation.

Training simulations typically come in one of three categories:

· "live" simulation (where actual players use genuine systems in a real environment);

· "virtual" simulation (where actual players use simulated systems in a synthetic environment ), or

· "constructive" simulation (where simulated players use simulated systems in a synthetic environment). Constructive simulation is often referred to as "wargaming" since it bears some resemblance to table-top war games in which players command armies of soldiers and equipment that move around a board.

Simulation games often play an important role, for example flight simulators for training new pilots or business games which allow you to run your own company. They mimic or ‘simulate’ real world activities but within a controlled environment.

Enjoyment is not usually a feature of business simulation games which are designed to teach certain aspects of business such as management techniques or finance. They are often used in university and/or business school.

But there are elements of these games which may be seen as ‘fun’ which also help with learning. Ask yourself this: if you were in a situation where you had to learn a serious (and heavy) subject but it was done in a fun and interactive manner then it would make it easier to learn wouldn’t it? We all have different learning styles and a VR simulation game may be the ideal learning tool for some people.

Virtual Reality – A Brave New World of Learning and Training

what is virtual reality ?

Answering "what is virtual reality" in technical terms is straight-forward. Virtual reality is the term used to describe a three-dimensional, computer generated environment which can be explored and interacted with by a person. That person becomes part of this virtual world or is immersed within this environment and whilst there, is able to manipulate objects or perform a series of actions

Training your workforce or students today can pose a number of challenges. Cost expenses, equipment shortages, dangerous situations, people’s motivation to learn are all factors hindering good training.

Skills2Learn use its own award winning technology to create virtual reality simulation solutions that can be used for almost any subject matter. Using our virtual reality allows situations and experiences to be created, viewed and interacted with, all without leaving the confines of your computer screen. It is a perfect step between theoretical and practical learning.

The possibilities of 3D and virtual reality are endless from environments, buildings, equipment to people. Look at our Virtual Reality solutions to see the potential of virtual reality, how it could help you and the benefits virtual reality could bring to you and your organization. Once you’ve seen the possibilities, contact Skills2Learn and let us help you bring your ideas to life.

Many people associate virtual reality and computer simulations with science fiction, high-tech industries, and computer games; few associate these technologies with education. But virtual reality and computer simulations have been in use as educational tools for some time.Although they have mainly been used in applied fields such as aviation and medical imaging, these technologies have begun to edge their way into the primary classroom. There is now a sizeable research base addressing the effectiveness of virtual reality and computer simulations within school curriculum.

Computer simulations are computer-generated versions of real-world objects (for example, asky scraper or chemical molecules) or processes (for example, population growth or biological decay). They may be presented in 2-dimensional, text-driven formats, or, increasingly, 3-dimensional, multimedia formats. Computer simulations can take many different forms, ranging from computer renderings of 3-dimensional geometric shapes to highly interactive, computerized laboratory experiments.

Virtual reality is a technology that allows students to explore and manipulate computer-generated, 3-dimensional, multimedia environments in real time. There are two main types of virtual reality environments. Desktop virtual reality environments are presented on an ordinary computer screen and are usually explored by keyboard, mouse, wand, joystick, or touchscreen. Web-based "virtual tours" are an example of a commonly available desktop virtual reality format. Total immersion virtual reality environments are presented on multiple, room-size screens or through a stereoscopic, head-mounted display unit.