A Web-based virtual environment for operator training /

The wide accessibility and low cost of virtual reality (VR) on the Web with the advent of the Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) and VRML interpreters makes it ideal for use in providing cost-effective training for operators in selected complex technical environments. VR using VRML is limited; it is not suitable for all types of training, and the cost-effectiveness of deploying VRML-based virtual environments (VEs) is often impeded by high development time and cost.This thesis examines the potential of using VRML to implement VEs for training in suitable tasks, and demonstrates that this potential can be fulfilled using an appropriate, reuse-driven design. To this end, state-of-the-art work in VR training and Web-based applications are investigated. The role of expert systems and intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) in imparting expertise, and the architectures of interactive systems are also examined. VRML's limited ability to model abstract, complex concepts, and the need for a reusable design or framework in developing cost-effective learn-by-doing systems are then addressed in an initial prototype application. SEDA-VRML is a VRML-based learn-by-doing system developed for the training of maintenance workers in the troubleshooting and inspection of power transformers. (Abstract shortened by UMI.