UCF Center for Research in Education Simulation Technology
Mission
The mission of the center is to develop core ideas, technologies and societally relevant applications of UCF-developed education simulation technologies, and paradigms.
What we Do
Simulation Research & Technology
Assist in implementation of research-based teaching practices
Enable realistic interactions with believable virtual humans
Analyze verbal and nonverbal responses of participants
Afford observations/annotations in support of reflective learning
Perform supportive research in machine learning, HCI, and Virtual Learning Environments
Interactive Performance
Enable human connections through virtual technologies
Create authentic virtual interactions
Refine digital performance techniques for education
Our Active Projects
TeachLivE
Customize virtual responses for every learner
UCF-patented virtual environment and paradigm for teacher preparation
Support for teacher practice in a “safe” environment
Commercialization to over 100 partners around the globe
RAISE
Project RAISE is a collaborative project supported by the US Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). The partners are UCP of Central Florida and the University of Central Florida and the aim is to improve the social skills of students with disabilities by creating a teaching toolkit featuring the Dash™ robot and an AI-driven socially assistive robot, ZB. Through the experience, students will have opportunities to learn basic coding while also practicing real-world skills like problem solving, collaboration, cooperation, and strategic thinking in a safe, distraction-free environment. The team at the University of Central Florida designed, created, and patented the AI-driven socially assistive robot ZB.
DebriefScape
Project DebriefScape is supported by the US Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Its desired outcomes are twofold: (1) Create a toolkit from existing USDOE OSEP open educational resource (OER) for mathematics and science coaches with alignment of an analytical observational tool to support these coaches working with special education teachers K-8 in STEM content. (2) Create a dashboard with objective data output from observations and coaching, inclusive of teacher-driven physiological data, and resources for coaches to support special education teachers in K-8 STEM content.
CyberBullying and CyberPrivacy
This project is funded by the National Science Foundation, SaTC-EDU EAGER program. Our work seeks to create and employ personalized virtual companions that guide adolescents with ASD in ways that improve their self-protection strategies and increase their cybertechnology knowledge. The ultimate goal is to help prepare them to become productive and satisfied members of a modern, inclusive, technology-savvy workforce.
Contact
Our projects include AI research, consultation, and software development in the field of virtual reality simulations for education, training, and therapeutics. This patented technology is also available for collaborative partnering and licensing.
Partners across the country continue to use this cutting-edge technology for innovative uses. For more information about CREST or any questions specific to TeachLivE™ or Zoobee™ (nicknamed ZB) to any of the above projects, please contact us at teachlive@ucf.edu.
Location
CREST is currently housed in the Teaching Academy on UCF’s main campus, which includes office space and equipment aligned with numerous simulation activities (computers, HMDs, biosensors, etc.). The center is staffed by an administrative assistant, post-doctoral scholars, doctoral students, and a director of education and training.