Wednesday 4 February 2009

BBC News: Video game helps with fire drill

Video game helps with fire drill

Researchers at Durham University have modified a video game to simulate fire scenarios for training purposes.

The team used The Source Engine, the 3D game engine used to drive Half-Life 2, and created a virtual model of one of the university's departments.

Developers plan to use it to examine people's behaviour in a fire and to train people in good fire practice.

The simulator can be adapted to mimic the interior of most buildings, although modification will be needed.

Full story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/technology/7867861.stm

This is an interesting example of the way games can be used for practical elements of teaching. In combination with motion-based controllers such as the wiimote, they could really change the way we offer some aspects of distance education. How about a virtual chemistry lab, for instance?
Posted by Keren Mills at 09:58
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1 comment:

  1. Addicting Games News30 September 2009 at 08:54

    I think it's a very great development. I hope later on like you said it can be used for distance education, or perhaps virtual chemistry lab. Who knows :)
    Anyway, visit my Download Games website if you have time :)

    ReplyDelete

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