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Full Circle Systems in the Classroom at ECU by Dr. Ken Flurchick and Sandra Huskamp of East Carolina University East Carolina University - December 7, 2004 - The VRCO Full Circle Visualization is the newest three-dimensional (3-D) visualization system acquired by the Center for Interdisciplinary Instructional Technology Research (CITTR). This will be placed in a smart classroom in the Science and Technology Building and will be used to teach freshmen and sophomore-level students in organic and biochemistry classes beginning this fall. CITTR’s decision to purchase the VRCO Full Circle system is a result of a research study on how certain technologies affect learning and the diligent efforts of Chemistry Department faculty members, Drs. David Bjorkman and Irene Gerow, who are both enthusiastic about using 3-D technology to teach Chemistry. Drs. David Bjorkman and Irene Gerow have used 3-D visualization (the RAVE) to extend their lectures on molecular structure and bonding. Their efforts have been well received by students. The three-dimensional aspect of molecular structure and the way the individual atoms in a molecule move in response to other molecules is difficult to picture. Two-dimensional drawings in a textbook or models in the class are not always useful. The representation of molecules as a ball and stick model (the balls or spheres are the atoms and the sticks show which atoms are bonded) is a common and instructive representation of molecules. The ability to see these relationships as a complete three-dimensional model and to view it from all sides, rotate the model and see the molecular structure from many viewpoints aids in the understanding of the structure and can help to understand how molecules interact. The VRCO Full Circle visualization system includes a state-of-the art laptop computer, interactive 3-D visualization software and a projection display system. The system also includes a tracking system that allows the instructor to navigate, rotate and zoom the display and to respond to students’ questions. Students can also navigate the display. Some of the three-dimensional models used include a sequence of 3-D structures to assist with understanding Lewis structures, unpaired electron structures, a large number of 3-D molecular structures to show the 3-D nature of atomic bonding, and an animation of hydrogen bonding between a water molecule and hexanoic acid. Chemistry faculty, using the VRCO Full Circle visualization system are supplementing their lectures with student-teacher interaction and discussions since 3-D models of chemical structures take less time to create using this new technology. Increased interaction and in-depth classroom discussions both aid in improving student learning. With a solid fundamental knowledge of chemical structures, students will be able to grasp more advanced chemistry concepts. This new delivery of technology now permits CIITR to bring 3D interactive visualization technology to a large number of people at a time. Each semester, between 1100 – 1400 students taking introductory chemistry courses and nearly 300 students taking organic and biochemistry courses will benefit from the use of the VRCO Full Circle. "This 3-D system will revolutionize the way we teach Chemistry," said Dr. Li, Chemistry Department Chair.### About Mechdyne Corporation Mechdyne Corporation is the world’s largest company dedicated to consulting and development of immersive, networked and collaborative visualization systems. The company addresses complex projects where an in-depth understanding of user requirements leads to the development of products and customized solutions involving elements of visual, software and support systems. Mechdyne’s product divisions provide advanced display technology, audio/visual systems design, and implementation services, as well as immersive and interactive software development and support. Headquartered in Marshalltown, Iowa, Mechdyne’s customers include leading government laboratories, military research programs, energy companies and a variety of ‘edutainment,’ manufacturing, and other users of visualization technology. More information is available at www.mechdyne.com. Mechdyne Press Contact Jeff Brum Matt Schmidt |
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