Instructor:
Josef Trapani,
Biology and
Neuroscience
Teaching Objective: Examine the response of our nervous system to perceived dangerous environments, and gain an understanding of our physical response to dynamic versus passive psychological experiences.
Project Description: In the course
Neurophysiology with Lab, Professor Trapani connected students to equipment to measure their breathing rate, grip strength, and heart rate. They then donned a VR headset and were provided a totally immersive experience that simulated stressful environments, such as walking the plank high over a city or being confronted by a Tyrannosaurus Rex dinosaur. In the former experience, the students interacted with the environment by walking on a physical board that matched the virtual plank (dynamic), and in the latter, they were an observer (static). The students developed hypotheses on which experience would generate the stronger physiological response. They were also exposed to the data acquisition software that would be used for the rest of the semester and this initial group lab experience (where no one was an expert) helped to place all students on an equal learning level.
Even though the students were safely located inside the lab room, these experiences were enough to generate strong physiological responses including fear and lots of laughter. Students needed to sign a waiver, “due to the unpredictable nature of the human response to virtual reality (dizziness, nausea, seizures, fear of heights, bumping into objects, etc.)”.
Academic Technology Tools: Richie’s Plank Experience, Oculus Rift or HTC Vive headset
A wooden plank stretches out from a high-rise building far above city streets.
The following video provides an impression of the VR experience.
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