A virtual reality system to augment teaching of wood structure and protection

ABSTRACT Medical students have enthusiastically embraced the use of virtual reality (VR) systems to help them understand the complex anatomy of body components. We hypothesize that students studying the structure and protection of wood will show similar acceptance of VR systems. We developed X-ray micro-CT models to show the distribution of silica in the Australian marine borer resistant timber, satinay and copper in treated pine. Students taking a course in wood protection used a VR device to explore the distribution of silica in satinay and copper in pine. Students were surveyed to assess their views on the system as a learning tool. The results showed that students were very positive about the VR system, and they frequently commented that the system was better than traditional methods at aiding understanding of wood structure/protection. We discuss the limitations and potential of our VR system as a learning tool for wood technology.