Virtual reality system as a tool for education

Abstract

Education in the field of computer graphics is attractive, but the necessity of strong theoretical background and the amount of work needed before achieving a non-trivial output could be discouraging for many students. To cope with inherent complexity of computer graphics applications, we designed a system intended to reduce implementation burden and help the students to achieve interesting results in less time. In our labs we use an in-house virtual reality system, which has been gradually improved by the work of our students and staff for a period of more than eight years. The foundation of the system is a modular architecture that allows rapid assembly of prototyped applications as well as easy implementation of extensions. Computer graphics students with even a fundamental level of knowledge are encouraged to participate in the lab projects. Working on system that allows rapid prototyping and shortens the path to achieving interesting visible results, builds up the students’ motivation and it is a key element of a continuous improvement during the study.