Contact:
Carol Gunther-Mohr, Research Triangle Institute, 919-541-6062, Fax: 919-541-6965, Email: [email protected]
Nina Adams, Adams Consulting Group, 708-246-0766, Fax: 708-246-0971, Email: [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Research Triangle Institute and Adams Consulting Group, Inc. Announce the Release of the Virtual Reality Training Decision Tool
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC -- February 5, 1997 -- Research Triangle Institute and Adams Consulting Group, Inc. have announced the availability of a tool that will help organizations evaluate whether Virtual Reality (VR) training programs are appropriate for specific training needs. VR Training Decision Tool gives managers and professionals in training, performance improvement, information technology, human resources, multimedia development, safety, manufacturing and other fields a way of quantifying the decision to use VR. This tool is available free of charge.
VR training programs have yielded impressive improvements in learning effectiveness when compared with conventional training. VR applications provide a three-dimensional, computer-based, interactive environment in which user exploration is encouraged. This creates a non-linear, user-directed, learning situation. Users can navigate at will, take actions, and see the impact of their actions, just as they would in the real world.
Free copies of VR Training Decision Tool may be obtained from either organization: ∑ Electronic form may be downloaded from a website (www.rti.org/vr/w/decision.html or www.adams-consult.com) or requested via email at [email protected] or [email protected]. ∑ Paper copies may be requested from:
Nina Adams
Adams Consulting Group
3952 Western Springs Ave.
Western Springs, IL 60558
Fax: (708) 246-0971
Carol Gunther-Mohr
Research Triangle Institute
P.O. Box 12194
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Fax: (919) 541-6965
The two developers of VR Training Decision Tool have more experience than any other organization producing PC-based VR training applications. They designed the tool to explore a comprehensive set of topics including learner profile, learning content and objectives, computing resources, and organizational readiness. They collaborated to develop this tool in order to respond to the frequently asked question, "Should I use VR?"
"Intuitively, we find people grasp the value of VR for learning of all kinds. ThatÃs because most people like to see, hear, and do something ërealà at the moment they want to learn." said Carol Gunther-Mohr of Research Triangle Institute. "This tool captures our experiences working on VR training projects and guides decision-makers through the thought process to determine how VR can be most beneficial."
"WeÃve been developing VR based training programs since 1994. Even before then, people would call and say ëI want to implement a VR training program.à After talking to the individual for a few minutes, it would become obvious that the only reason they wanted to use VR was because it was ëneatÃ. But VR wasnÃt the right solution." said Nina Adams, President, Adams Consulting Group. The VR Training Decision Tool is an outgrowth of a CBT (Computer Based Training) Decision Tool published by Adams Consulting Group, Inc., in 1994.
Research Triangle Institute applies advanced technologies to improve learning effectiveness. RTI began using VR for training and other applications on PCs and high-end graphics engines in 1993. Cost-effective, custom VR applications have been completed for military clients in the US Army and Navy and corporations including Volvo Heavy Truck, Michelin, and IBM.
As a nonprofit R&D organization, RTI gives clients innovative, integrated solutions combining advanced technologies like VR and Natural Language Processing as well as new learning methodologies and evaluations techniques. Solutions range from VR multimedia courseware to complete advanced learning facilities. The development team, with over 40 staff, possess a unique combination of skills including software engineering, instructional design, 3-D model building, cognitive psychology, graphics, and audio/video production.
For additional information on Research Triangle Institute, contact Carol Gunther-Mohr at RTI, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, or by phone at (919) 541-6062, or Fax (919) 541-6965, or email [email protected], or visit our website at www.rti.org/vr.
Adams Consulting Group has been developing VR programs with Motorola University since 1994. In 1995, Adams Consulting won the VR World Magazine "Industry Award" presented by Mecklermedia for developing a VR application which allows associates to learn how to start up, run and shut down a manufacturing line. In January 1997, Adams Consulting Group was recognized at the 1997 Motorola University Kick-off Meeting for "creative thinking in implementing Virtual Reality Training for Motorolans."
Adams Consulting Group develops VR applications which run on standard pentium-based computers, with no additional hardware required. The benefits of VR applications versus traditional multimedia programs are significant, while the cost of development is comparable. Adams Consulting Group is currently developing VR projects with companies including Duracell, Richard Ellis, Landis & Staefa, and Brazil-based Biobras Software.
For additional information on Adams Consulting Group, please write 3952 Western Avenue, Western Springs, IL 60558-1042 or call 708-246-0766 or Fax 708-246-0971 or email [email protected].
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