Vicher: A virtual reality based educational module for chemical reaction engineering

Abstract

Virtual reality has the potential to be a powerful new tool in engineering education by bringing experience-based learning to all students, addressing the needs of students with alternate learning styles, and providing enhanced impact to educational presentations. As with any new tool, we must first learn how, when, and where to apply it before it becomes useful. This article describes Vicher, the first known application of virtual reality to chemical engineering education, and some of what has been discovered about virtual reality as an educational tool during Vicher's development. Vicher currently consists of two programs - Vicher I and Vicher II - which deal with the topics of catalyst deactivation and nonisothermal effects in chemical reaction engineering, respectively. Between the two programs, Vicher currently simulates five different engineering areas plus support facilities. Future plans include extensive student testing, program expansion and refinement, and the development of additional virtual reality based educational modules.