The use of virtual world platforms for supporting an emergency response training exercise

Chen, Y-F, Rebolledo-Mendez, G., Liarokapis, F., de Freitas, S. and Parker, E. (2008) The use of virtual world platforms for supporting an emergency response training exercise. In: 13th International Conference on Computer Games: AI, Animation, Mobile, Educational and Serious Games, CGAMES 2008, 3 - 5 November, Wolverhampton, UK pp. 49-55.

Abstract

The development of a computer-based simulation for emergency response exercise training to facilitate trainees' learning activities and learning outcomes is proposed. Some limitations in using these simulations in emergency services include a focus on small-scaled individual task training and highly controlled environments designed to measure trainees' performance. These problems decrease the realism of the simulation which should represent more diverse, open-ended, counter-intuitive and unpredictable environmental conditions. These problems could reduce learning outcomes brought about by allowing open-ended discussions and team working. Virtual worlds provide a new methodological framework for conducting emergency response exercises. This paper describes a research agenda for the development of a virtual training exercise for emergency response. It has three objectives: firstly, it highlights the issues of validity of exercises for emergency events; secondly, it reviews possible virtual worlds which could be deployed as test bed environments and presents methodologies for their evaluation. Lastly, it suggests a future development of a virtual environment that may be used to support the emergency planning community by considering an existing similar project.

Item Type:	Conference Paper
Copyright:	© 2008 The University of Wolverhampton
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/26802

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