Virtual immersion: The role of CAVE and PC technology

Abstract:

Given the reality that they are ubiquitous in everyday life, researchers (Goodwin-Jones, 2005; Purushotma, 2005) are touting the potential of making use of computer games in the second language classroom. In the current paper, we situate virtual reality (VR) technology within an L2 pedagogical framework and argue that it is a viable resource for enabling students to experience the target culture in ways that are impossible through the use of other technologies. In addition, we compare the effectiveness of two VR environments (CAVE and PC technology) on a variety of measures of student engagement: cultural awareness, collaboration, and overall experience. We argue that although the CAVE technology is perhaps the more exciting and immersive medium, its exorbitant cost and large scale make it an impossible prospect for most schools. The PC version of the game is readily accessible, can be run at no additional cost to the end user, and provides a positive and potentially more engaging experience for students.

1. Loading the Plugin

To load this game first go to the Virtools website (www.virtools.com) and download the plugin for your web browser. Internet Explorer, Firefox, Mozilla, Netscape are all supported. In addition, players are available for both PC and MAC platforms.

Instructions for downloading their 3D Life Player can be found at:

http://www.virtools.com/downloads/player/install.asp

2. Download the Game File

Once you have installed the plugin from Virtools, download the game file (Salzburg.vmo) from the directory below:

https://webdisk.ucalgary.ca/~rmlevy/public_html/Salzburg/

To download a file, right click on Salzburg.vmo and use the option “Save Target As” to save the file to your hard drive. Once you have saved the file open it with your web browser.

Alternatively, you can try clicking on the file below for a game window that is 800x640 pixels in size

https://webdisk.ucalgary.ca/~rmlevy/public_html/Salzburg/SieVersion800Stat.htm

3. Navigation

Help can be found by typing ‘h’ on your keyboard. The navigation for this game is:

Arrow key forward - Move forward

Arrow key back - Move back

Arrow key right - Move right

Arrow key levy - Move left

Q - Turn left

W – Turn right

H – Help

ESC – Turn off help window

To interact with an object or character you only need to be in close proximity. Once a clue plays, it will not play again for about 30 seconds. In order to hear the clue again leave the area and return this will allow you to trigger the clue. Note, if you need help find a police officer. They should be able to help you find the next clue.

4. Game Playing issues:

Game runs slowly – Try making the window smaller. This game ideally needs at a minimum a Pentium IV with a good graphic card to play smoothly

Audio level is low – Check your sound levels for wav files. Go to Control Panel and click on “Sound and Audio Devices” . Click on the volume tab. Click on the Advanced tab and increase the levels for WAVE files

Navigation doesn’t work – Try clicking on the view window

Error message appears when loading game – Click OK.