Introduction to Virtual Learning
The University of Central Florida (UCF) has launched a cutting-edge initiative to make learning more engaging and accessible, especially in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. This revolutionary approach involves a free virtual reality environment and an augmented reality app designed to complement science lessons and supply stress relief for those in isolation.
The Creator Behind the Innovation
Maria Harrington, an information scientist and artist, is the mastermind behind these applications. Her goal is to advance virtual reality technology while engaging the general public in informal learning concerning the natural world. Harrington’s latest research is supported by a grant from Epic Games, a renowned video game maker.
The Virtual UCF Arboretum
The Virtual UCF Arboretum is a PC game that enables users to explore UCF’s real arboretum, which spans 274 acres of unspoiled Florida habitat. This immersive experience features realistic images and sounds of birds and frogs, making users feel as if they are literally there. The arboretum is a priceless resource for learning concerning the natural world and might be easily downloaded.
The AR Perpetual Garden App
The AR Perpetual Garden App is one other revolutionary tool that transforms any space into a sensible native Appalachian flora garden. Using a smartphone or tablet, users can convert their surroundings right into a virtual garden by layering different elements. This app shouldn’t be only educational but in addition therapeutic, because it brings nature into users’ spaces, which has been shown to cut back stress.
Benefits for Users
Both the Virtual UCF Arboretum and the AR Perpetual Garden App offer quite a few advantages for users. They provide a fun and interesting method to find out about science and nature, making them ideal for young students. The apps can even help complement science lessons and supply stress relief for those in isolation, especially senior residents.
How to Access the Apps
Both apps are free and available for download through the Harrington Lab at UCF’s download page, which might be found at https://the-harrington-lab.itch.io/. This makes it easy for anyone to access these revolutionary learning tools.
About the Creator
Maria Harrington joined UCF in 2016 as an assistant professor of digital media within the Nicholson School of Communication and Media. Her research focuses on the event of digital media knowledge artifacts, and she or he has published quite a few papers in peer-reviewed journals. Harrington has also received multiple awards and fellowships and is a research associate with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
Conclusion
The Virtual UCF Arboretum and the AR Perpetual Garden App are revolutionary tools that make learning fun and accessible. They provide a singular opportunity for users to have interaction with the natural world, reduce stress, and complement science lessons. With these revolutionary apps, UCF is paving the best way for a brand new era in virtual learning, and Maria Harrington’s work is on the forefront of this movement. By making these apps free and simply accessible, UCF is ensuring that everybody can profit from this cutting-edge technology and revel in the wonders of the natural world from the comfort of their very own homes.
