Virtual reality on the WWW: simulating class I procedures in restorative dentistry

The World Wide Web (WWW) is a very efficient way for information exchange.Advancement in Web technology now permits visualisation software to be shared across the Internet. This paper discusses the design and prototype development of a Web-based VR to create an interactive-simulation for the procedure of a Class I cavity preparation in restorative dentistry. The aim of this research is to find out whether a simple solution utilising the wide accessibility of the WWW would be feasible to provide a portable, scalable and low-cost real time dental simulation.To achieve this, a virtual reality simulator, containing simulations of the Class I restorative equipment and materials, is embedded in the Web page.The requirements of a Web based VR simulation for this type of application are also discussed

The model of persuasive Hajj learning environment

Hajj is one of five pillars of Islam.Every capable and able-bodied Muslim is obliged to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.Even though comprehensive courses were provided before the pilgrimage particularly in Malaysia, additional learning material is still needed.This is due to the complexity of Hajj procedures comprehension including the practical parts. Multimedia (MM) and virtual environment (VE) technology adaptation seems appropriate to be used for Hajj learning.Nevertheless, to design and develop a Hajj learning procedure application needs thorough preparation to achieve the objectives of use, particularly when it deals with elderly peoples who are not really interested in the technological approach learning.Thus, this paper proposed a model of persuasive Hajj learning environment and the theories usage; covering constructivist, MM principles, persuasive design principle and CTML use.This prototype was developed based on the model, and a heuristic evaluation also has been discussed in the end of topic.The methodology used in this study is an adaptation of the research design used by Vaishnavi and Kuechler in 2008.This paper is hoped to bring ideas and help designers and developers in the future

The evaluation of V-Hajj: A courseware for Hajj learning procedures

Previous researches and current initial findings have shown that conventional approaches used in most Hajj supplementary learning materials are less effective in providing clear understanding to users, particularly the pilgrims.Most of the materials are based on passive learning.Thus, in order to cater for those limitations , this study incorporates virtual environment (VE) and multimedia technology in developing V -Hajj courseware as an attempt to provide a better learning aid for supporting active and self-directed learning for Hajj.In addition, this courseware is also intended to persuade users, and in this case elders to use computer technology as their main supplementary learning material. Thus, this study adapted the persuasive design guidelines from persuasive technology. Generally, this paper elaborates the evaluation that has been conducted on the V-Hajj courseware. It also reviews some related literatures about Hajj, multimedia, VE and persuasive technology. Lastly, this paper discusses on the results of the evaluation on the targeted users

Hajj and umrah training (V-HAJJ)

This study focuses on the development of a prototype supplementary learning and teaching material for Hajj procedures and steps. From the results of previous and current preliminary studies, Hajj supplementary materials and learning methods are less effective in giving clear understanding to the users, particularly the pilgrims, whether the youngster or the elder. Most of the supplementary materials are based on passive learning. In providing a better supplementary learning material to support active learning and self-directed learning, this study incorporates virtual environments (VE) and Multimedia (MM) technologies to develop Virtual Hajj (V-Hajj) prototype.In addition, to produce a material that can persuade users particularly the elder to use computer technology as their supplementary learning material, this study adapted the persuasive design guidelines.Furthermore, theories and principles of the VE and the MM were also considered in producing a better and effective courseware. These include the constructivist theory of VE, MM principles, Cognitive Theory of MM Learning (CTML) theories and persuasion technology (PT) principles. Each MM elements has been used in the V-Hajj development. Some experts from VE and MM fields have evaluated the usability of the developed prototype before being assessed by the end users. For the user evaluation, two groups of respondents were involved, youngster (19 - 39 years old) and elder (40 years old and over).A set of questionnaires which was adapted from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used.It comprises of four attributes; Perceived ease of use (PEOU), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Attitude Towards Using (ATTITUDE) and Intention to Use (ITU).Overall, the statistical results of the evaluation showed that there is no significant difference between youngster and elder in terms of acceptance of the V-Hajj prototype.Furthermore, there was a good persuasive effect among the elder after using V-Hajj, compared with the earlier results from the preliminary study. Besides that, there were positive changes in term of acceptance among the elder compared to the results of the preliminary study which indicated that the elder did not prefer to use computer based for Hajj learning.This probably due to the persuasive effect of the V-Hajj prototype.As for the conclusion, this study supports the integration of multimedia, virtual environment and persuasive technology in designing and developing a supplementary Hajj learning materials

Online Instructional Consultation (OICon) Model for Higher Education Institution (HEIs)

AbstractVirtual discussion between students and lecturers nowadays become easier and effective by using computer-mediated communication (CMC) tools. The issue on geographical distance is no longer a problem but there are some aspects that need attention, such as the consultation documentation, record log and the ability to see the records of these virtual relationships. Most current virtual communications software is focused on the communication and less on the process of before and after the virtual communication. In order to enhance the virtual communication process, we have designed and developed an Online Instructional Consultation (OICon) model to facilitate student-lecturer consultation for higher education mentor-mentee system in Malaysia. The model consists of 5 interrelated domains that are personalization, consultation processes and task involved, features and multimedia components, consultation content and consultation document. It provides alternative means on delivery of the contents and services as well as provides participants a range of option. By this way, students and lecturer can involve actively through online consultation at remote places, not just between lecturer and students but also on post-session discussion among peers. Point of correspondence includes implementation of CMC tools to facilitate online consultation processes for academic advisory purpose. OICon model was then transformed into a prototype system to verify the model. Based on the evaluation conducted, we found that users are relatively positive towards implementation of multimedia communication tools for consultation in higher education and they agreed that the OICon model is crucial for enhance and promote interactivity for consultation among students and lecturers

Development and user evaluation of virtual hajj (V-Hajj) courseware for hajj learning procedures

Hajj is one of five pillars of Islam.Every capable and able-bodied Muslim is obliged to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.Even though comprehension courses were provided before the pilgrimage particularly in Malaysia, additional learning material is still needed.This is due to the complexity of Hajj procedures comprehension including the practical parts.Thus, this paper proposed a model of persuasive Hajj learning environment, and then has been applied in the V- Hajj courseware.User evaluation also has been deployed and discussed in detail, as well as the development process and stages in the V-Hajj implementation.This paper is hoped to bring ideas and help designers and developers in the future

A study on the acceptance of e-ticketing in Universiti Utara Malaysia bus service

The purpose of this study is to examine the level of acceptance by Multimedia Seminar TIV3073 students on the implementation of e- ticketing for Universiti Utara Malaysia(UUM) bus service. E-ticketing is new in UUM as it only started in the second semester of 2006/07 session by the bus service provider, Unic Symbol Business Sdn Bhd. The method used is survey and the instrument is a set of questionnaire.The questionnaire addresses the overall users’ satisfaction towards this system, users perception in terms of acceptance and also suggestions to further enhance the system.In measuring the acceptance level, four constructs were used which include User Satisfaction (US), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEU), and Perceived System Performance (PSP).This study indicates that the overall acceptance level is low which is between the range of 2.00 to 2.50 from a scale of 5.0

Virtual environment as aids in persuading user in learning process

With the advent of computing technologies, a plethora of computer applications were developed to solve simple to complex human and organization problems. Computer applications cover variety of fields and have been known to be powerful tools in changing person‘s attitudes, behaviours, feelings and actions. This paper investigates the use of virtual environment technology as aids in persuading users in learning process. It explains the concept of persuasive and virtual environment technologies and the integration of both technologies in persuading learners to learn. It elaborates on the design of persuasion and explains the benefits of integrating persuasive and virtual environment technologies in the learning process. Finally, it gives an overview of a proposed approach in utilizing virtual environment as aids in persuasive design for learning

Virtual Hajj (V-Hajj) — Adaptation of persuasive design in virtual environment (VE) and multimedia integrated approach learning courseware methodology

This study focuses on the design and development of a courseware as a supplementary learning material for Hajj.Based on the results of previous researches and current initial findings, Hajj supplementary learning materials approaches are less effective in giving clear understanding to users, particularly the pilgrims.Most of the materials are based on passive learning. In providing a better learning aid for supporting active learning and self-directed learning, this study incorporates virtual environments (VE) and multimedia technologies to develop Virtual Hajj (V-Hajj) courseware.In addition, to produce a material that can persuade users, particularly the elders to use computer technology as their supplementary learning material, this study adapted the persuasive design guidelines from persuasive technology.Besides, multimedia and VE design and development processes have been applied to guide the V-Hajj implementation. Persuasive technology principles, constructivist theory, multimedia learning theory and principles were also applied

Enriching knowledge management in research & development organization: A Malaysian perspective

The paper study on the knowledge management in utilization of information communication and technology, hereinafter called ICT, in research and development organization In a turbulent and rapidly changing environment, every organization faces the challenge of how to best manage its knowledge assets to generate value for the marketplace and obtain competitive advantage Such advantage derives from special capabilities that are rare, valuable, non-substitutable, and costly to imitate Historically, the focus was on capabilities involving tangible assets; now, knowledge is widely recognized as the source for competitive advantage, with the tangible assets representing the physical manifestation of but a fraction of this knowledge As companies scramble to develop strategies for more proactive& and strategically managing their knowledge, the field of knowledge management (KM) receives increasing attention from trade organizations and academic journals.From this study it was found that to improve the chances of conclusively demonstrating value to the overall business enterprise, a new KM implementation in an innovation organization should address six imperatives: instill the organization's goals and strategies, access tacit knowledge, provide search tools, promote creativity, capture new learning and build a supportive culture