Solving the Perennial Problems of Inadequate Physical Laboratories in Africa Through the Use of Virtual Reality Technology and Tools

作     者：Moses Okechukwu Onyesolu 

作者机构：Department of Computer Science Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka 420001 Nigeria 

出 版 物：《Computer Technology and Application》 (计算机技术与应用（英文版）)

年 卷 期：2011年第2卷第1期

页      面：67-74页

学科分类：12[管理学] 1201[管理学-管理科学与工程(可授管理学、工学学位)] 08[工学] 080203[工学-机械设计及理论] 0802[工学-机械工程] 081201[工学-计算机系统结构] 0812[工学-计算机科学与技术（可授工学、理学学位）] 

主　　题：Virtual reality (VR) simulation laboratory second-life. 

摘      要：The major restriction for learning in science and engineering education in Africa is the absence of equipped laboratories. Where laboratory is available, there is the problem of obsolete and antiquated materials, which are seldom available for use. In most Universities in Africa, there is inadequate supply of laboratory space and laboratory materials. The laboratories only have the items of equipment that were provided when the universities were established, this has hampered learning. An alternative educational approach is required to address the aforementioned problems and provide a cost-effective solution for education as well as a valuable complementary or learning tool for university students. The alternative approach is the use of Virtual Reality （VR） technology to simulate virtual learning environments such as virtual reality laboratories. This is a one solution to inadequate physical laboratories in Africa.