Community access through technology project: using virtual reality technologies for community integration
Jane Kaufman Broida, Clark Germann, Shannon C. Houck, Jeffrey M. Broida · 2000
The Community Access Through Technology project uses virtual reality and other advanced technologies to produce simulations of community resources. The virtual environment is created using Quick Time Virtual Reality, and access annotations, interactive maps, and digital video are added to enhance the experience of the user. To determine the efficacy of the virtual reality in reducing anxiety, the present study was conducted. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control group, virtual reality treatment group, or leisure educationvirtual reality treatment group. Results suggest that the virtual tour increased subjects recreation knowledge but had a negative effect on anxiety levels. However, subjects in the leisure education-virtual reality treatment group experienced significant recreation information gain and reduced anxiety. Further research examining more immersive virtual environments and use of additional physiological measures are recommended.