The application of virtual reality to (chemical engineering) education

Abstract

Virtual reality, VR, offers many benefits to technical education, including the delivery of information through multiple active channels, the addressing of different learning styles, and experiential-based learning. This poster presents work performed by the authors to apply VR to engineering education, in three broad project areas: virtual chemical plants, virtual laboratory accidents, and a virtual UIC campus. The first area provides guided exploration of domains otherwise inaccessible, such as the interior of operating reactors and microscopic reaction mechanisms. The second promotes safety by demonstrating the consequences of not following proper lab safety procedures. And the third provides valuable guidance for (foreign) visitors. All programs developed are available on the Web, for free download to any interested parties.