Virtual+Reality

=__**Virtual Reality**__= Virtual Reality or VR is a technology which allows a user to interact with a [|computer-simulated] environment, whether that environment is a simulation of the real world or an imaginary world. Most current virtual reality [|environments] are primarily visual experiences, displayed either on a [|computer screen] or through special or [|stereoscopic displays], but some simulations include additional sensory information, such as sound through speakers or [|headphones]. Some advanced, [|haptic] systems now include tactile information. Retrieved from Wikipedia 10.02.2009.

This is a great web article and newscast that explains virtual reality and demonstrates its use. http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2006/0409-the_new_virtual_reality.htm

=__**Virtual Reality in Business, Society, and Education**__= Virtual Reality has been spreading to numerous fields in our society. The widespread applications potential of this technology has made its way into hospitals, laboratories, army barracks, and hospitals**//.//**

__**Virtual Reality in Science/ Engineering**__
__//Ford uses Virtual Reality technology in sound engineering//__ http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10368499-48.html

//__A Dose of Virtual Reality: Doctors are drawing on video-game technology to treat post-traumatic stress disorder among Iraq war veterans__//
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/jul2006/tc20060725_012342.htm?chan=top+news_top+news

__//Researchers Swap Morphine For 3-D Alternate Reality To Relieve Chronic Pain //__ [|http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles][|/7016687319?Researchers%20Swap%20Morphine%20For%203-D%20Alternate%20Reality%20To%20Relieve%20Chronic%20Pain#ixzz0Tw65janI] //__Virtual reality treatment touted for pain__// []

__**Virtual Reality in Education**__
//__Virtual Reality Medical Education in Second Life__// http://informationagehealth.blogspot.com/2009/09/virtual-reality-medical-education-in.html

//__Military applications of virtual reality__//
http://www.hitl.washington.edu/scivw/EVE/II.G.Military.html __//Virtual Reality Prepares Soldiers for Real War//__ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/13/AR2006021302437.html

=Virtual Reality - People Won't Need To Leave The House/Cell= media type="youtube" key="LlBgIO6Mp9A" height="344" width="425" This is one of the best demonstrations of cutting-edge virtual reality.

= = __**Other Resource Links to Explore**__ http://www.vrealities.com/ http://www.sunrisevr.com/edschool.htm http://www.ercim.org/publication/Ercim_News/enw28/kuusisto.html

= **__Online Assignment for the Week__** = 1. Read the articles, explore the links, and view the short video. 2. Respond to the discussion board prompt on the ELC. What are some of the ways you forecast virtual reality will impact our society and the education field?