Symposium Focuses on Use of 3D in Education

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 03/18/08

A consortium of vendors is hosting a conference for educators on the use of 3D simulation-based learning. The Interactive Digital Center (IDC) Consortium is a collaboration formed by EON Reality, Nvidia, HP, Christie Digital, and Microsoft to promote the advancement of interactive 3D (i3D) visualization solutions for simulation-based learning and workforce development. The event will be held in Florence, SC April 9 through 11.

"Today's technologies have greatly enhanced learning environments where a person can now be placed into a scenario or situation and become directly responsible for changes that occur as a result of his or her decisions," said Marly Bergerud, VP, education development, EON Reality. "For example, it is easier to learn how a human heart works by actually going inside a life-like 3D heart and moving around within it to see exactly what you want to see."

Educators will learn how to combine 3D technologies within education and training curriculum and create immersive environments. This approach, called Simulation Based Learning (SBL), enables learners to view, touch, hear, and interact with life-like objects in real time.

The i3D Symposium will take place at the new Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology facility on the grounds of the Florence-Darlington Technical College. The SiMT is a state-of-the-art facility where interactive 3D technology solutions have been designed to showcase new 3D technologies, enhance content development for educators and industry partners for education/training and to provide industry with new ways for enhancing sales, marketing, maintenance and operations.