Virtual Environments for Training Overview of Scientific Progress

The Training Studio, which allows the application of virtual environments to training, integrates three significant components: Vista Viewer, the virtual environment display system; VIVIDS, the object simulation system; and Steve, the pedagogical agent system. For the Training Studio, the second year of research and development on the Virtual Environments for Training (VET) contract has resulted in improvements and advancements in four technical areas that apply to training: authoring VE simulations, virtual environment interaction, pedagogical agents, and team training. To assess some of the new development, evaluation efforts began during the latter part of the contract year. A study focusing on the effects of 3D vs 2D learning on retention was designed and initiated by the Human Resources Cognitive Training group (HRCT) of U.S. Air Force's Armstrong Laboratory at Brooks Air Force Base in Texas. The authoring of VE simulations for training has been improved on several fronts affecting authoring 3D models, training simulations, and instruction. The quality of virtual environment interaction is very important for training in equipment operations and maintenance. By adapting VRML 2.0 for immersive use, we have realized a unifying framework for interaction that allows storing knowledge of how to manipulate objects and controls. The pedagogica