creative technology

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[] readme new(s) workshop(s) project(s) CA1 CA2 CA3 CA4 CA5 course(s) interactive visualization / serious games resource(s) _ / .

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course outline(s) -- nm4: virtual environments

outline(s) / schedule(s)

content(s)

• topic(s)
• goal(s)
• material(s)
• structure(s)
• assign(s)
• reference(s)
• link(s)

In this part a more detailed discussion will be provided of topics, learning goals, materials used, and the actual structure of the course, as well as a sketch of the assignments given. Also references to releveant literature is provided, including online resources. At the end, advice for students following the course will be given, as well as hints for the instructor(s).

NM4

course topic(s)

Following an example-based approach, an important part of the course should consist of case studies and small examples demonstrating solutions to issues in VR design

topic(s)

• web-based VR -- VRML/X3D
• authoring issues -- model(s), scenegraph(s) & event(s)
• VR experience design -- case studies
• augmented/mixed reality -- issues & toolkit(s) (Artoolkit/ARiSE)
• immersive environment(s) -- narrative(s) vs game play
• game engine(s) -- (physical) model(s) & realism

Of particular interest are the developments in augmented & mixed reality. At the time of writing, a great number of toolkits seem to be available, some using VRML/X3D, while others use more traditional C++/OpenGL platform dependent technologies. Since game engine(s) become increasingly more powerful, the distiction between VR and game(s) is blurring, dependent on how (physical) models are used to achieve realism.

NM4

learning terget(s)

Basic skills involve the use of authoring languages and tools. Detailed knowledge of the platform of choice is required to produce effective VRs.

NM4 target(s)

• skill(s) -- authoring, design
• knowledge -- VR technologies, spatial organisation
• theory -- user interface issues
• experience(s) -- construction of moderately complex VR
• attitude -- experimentation, aesthetics

However, not only technical issues are important, but also issues of design, creativty and aesthetics.

NM4

lesson material(s)

The course virtual environments is (partially) based on my course multimedia authoring which uses, apart from flex/as3 extensions for 3D, VRML/X3D.

virtual environments -- web3D/VR

• canonical example(s) -- vr
• (online) reference material(s) -- resource(s)
• challenging target(s) -- demo(s)

Obviously, the material for this course needs to be extended with, among others, material related to augmented reality, dependent on the role such technologies might play in our creative technology curriculum.

NM4

course structure

The course does require active participation of the student(s), not only in exploring the technolgy by making the assignments, but also by presenting solutions and problems in class.

session(s)

1. introduction of VR applications
2. basic assignment(s) -- product demo(s)
3. VR technologies -- input(s) & display(s)
4. experience design -- user interface issues
5. student presentation of concept final assignment(s)
6. VR cases studies -- visit to (TXChange)
7. mixed/augmented reality in game(s)
8. presentation of final assignment(s)

To the extent possible, the course will take a technology-agnostic approach, favoring concept(s) over implementation(s) or language(s). Neverteheless, at some point a choice for one or more technologies will be made, dependent on available resources, as well as (programming) skills of the students.

NM4

assignment(s)

There will a small number of assignemts, to be made by the students individually. The goal of these assignments is to provide a structure that assists the students in exploring the technology. Basic assignemnts (may) include:

basic(s) -- virtual environments

1. product(s) -- model a simple product
2. interaction(s) -- extending the product demo
3. animation(s) -- as a result of (user) interaction(s)

For the final assignment(s) of the course, students are allowed to work indidually, or in groups of two or three (maximally) students. Work done in groups must be proportionally more challenging and complex. Students can make a choice out of (among possibly others):

final(s) -- virtual envronments

• simulation(s) -- of natural or artificial system
• scenario-driven narrative(s) -- to promote collaboration
• augmented reality game -- using augmented/mixed reality technology

In effect, students will be encouraged to follow their own ideas, in for example implementing a game. For the final assignments, an effort will be made to develop interesting challenges in cooperation with the TXChange facility.

NM4

reference(s)

An excellent starting point for a course in VR is provided by the X3D book of Don Bruntzman, who one of the leading figures in the Web3D Consortium.

1. X3D: Extensible 3D Graphics for Web Authors (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Interactive 3D Technology) by Don Brutzman, Leonard Daly -- (online)
2. A. Eliëns, topical media & game development -- media.eliens.net

A wealth of material and references can be found at my topical media & game development site, including tutorials and examples.

online resource(s)

The online resources (will eventually) include references to technologies and tools, that may be used by the student(s) to develop VR applications for their (final) assignment(s).

resource(s) / NM4

• vr -- www.vrjuggler.org
• consortium -- web3d.org
• txchange -- www.t-xchange.nl
• slides -- www.x3dbook.com/slidesets
• tools -- x3dgraphics.com/tools
• artoolkit -- www.hitl.washington.edu/artoolkit
• arise -- www.arise-project.org

Additional information will also be gathered during the course, by letting students take an active part in exploring VR technologies.

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[] readme new(s) workshop(s) project(s) CA1 CA2 CA3 CA4 CA5 course(s) interactive visualization / serious games resource(s) _ / .

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(C) Æliens 09/09/09
creativetechnology.eu