Virtual reality as a new trend in mechanical and electrical engineering education

• Main Authors: Kamińska Dorota, Sapiński Tomasz, Aitken Nicola, Rocca Andreas Della, Barańska Maja, Wietsma Remco
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: De Gruyter 2017-12-01
• Series: Open Physics
• Subjects: virtual reality; immersive education; education; mechanical and electrical engineering; 01.50.h-; 01.40.gb; 01.40.fk; 01.40.e-; 01.50.f-
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1515/phys-2017-0114

In their daily practice, academics frequently face lack of access to modern equipment and devices, which are currently in use on the market. Moreover, many students have problems with understanding issues connected to mechanical and electrical engineering due to the complexity, necessity of abstract thinking and the fact that those concepts are not fully tangible. Many studies indicate that virtual reality can be successfully used as a training tool in various domains, such as development, health-care, the military or school education. In this paper, an interactive training strategy for mechanical and electrical engineering education shall be proposed. The prototype of the software consists of a simple interface, meaning it is easy for comprehension and use. Additionally, the main part of the prototype allows the user to virtually manipulate a 3D object that should be analyzed and studied. Initial studies indicate that the use of virtual reality can contribute to improving the quality and efficiency of higher education, as well as qualifications, competencies and the skills of graduates, and increase their competitiveness in the labour market.