stands for
Narrative-based Immersive Constructionist/Collaborative Environments
NICE is a project that applies virtual reality to the creation of
a family of educational environments for young users.
Our approach is based on constructionism, where real and synthetic users, motivated by an underlying narrative,
build persisting virtual worlds through collaboration. This approach is grounded on well
established paradigms in contemporary learning and integrates ideas from such diverse
fields as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, CSCW, storytelling, and artificial
intelligence. The goal is to build an experiential learning environment that will engage
children in authentic activity. Our prototype system explores the above ideas within the
CAVE(TM) virtual reality theater.
What do the children do in NICE? This is what David, 7 years old, has to say:
NICE is a collaboration between members of the
Interactive Computing Environments laboratory(ICE) and the Electronic Visualization laboratory(EVL)
at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Please click here to learn more about the theoretical framework behind NICE.
To learn more about the project, view images of its spaces, or contact us, follow the links below.
