A data-driven approach towards a realistic and generic crowd simulation framework

Jacob Sinclair studied and developed a data-driven approach towards a realistic and generic crowd simulation framework. He found that by using virtual reality and questionnaires, we can gather all types of real world data. He also found that an AI framework developed using all types of data can produce similar results to the real world. This AI framework has the potential to be used to improve areas such as emergency management and response, traffic control, building design, video games, etc

Navigation Paths and Performance in Educational Virtual Worlds

Virtual Worlds are being used to provide interactive experiential learning. The ability to explore is one of the benefits, but also runs the risk of students becoming lost or unfocussed. It is important that students remain engaged as they navigate around the world in order to achieve the intended learning outcomes. This paper looks at student academic engagement, measured through the number of correct answers they obtain at the end, behavioural engagement through analysis of navigation paths and psychological and cognitive engagement via the Student Engagement Instrument. Twelve students participated in the study. We found that participants exhibited many different navigational patterns, but the paths of the best performing participants showed purposeful navigation and were close to the optimal path through the environment. These results could be used to predict performance of users of a virtual environment and give feedback during or after interaction