VR Program Reviews

The Lab (Review by: Bobby Massey)

"Set in a pocket universe of Aperture Science, The Lab offers a wide range of ways to enjoy VR, all in one application." -Valve. With many different mini-games, all grade levels can enjoy this game. This is a great starter application, which is why it is used for a tutorial-like application for beginners. The game offers fun, easy-to-play mini-games for many to enjoy.

Visual Details-

The graphics are mediocre, but solid for a free-to-play game. There are some visual bugs here and there, but overall provide a solid experience.

Virtual Fluidity-

The game overall is very fluid, with a smooth 60 fps (frames per second) for most parts of the game. Here and there, you will experience a minor glitch or frozen frame, but nothing major.

Educational Value-

On a scale of 1-10, I would give The Lab a 4.5-5. Not very many direct teaching aspects, but to learn the mechanics of the games, you need to have some sort of reading ability and comprehension of ideas and concepts.

Entertainment Value-

On a scale of 1-10, I would give The Lab an 8/10. This game is very entertaining with all of the various mini-games to keep you attention.

Total Score out of 5 stars:

• 3.8/5

Reviewer's Comments:

Embodied Labs - (Reviewed by Jennifer Gilman)

As described on the Embodied Labs website, it is, "Virtual, interactive case studies designed to show pathologies from the first-person patient perspective." We used this program in our High School English classes. We had two students wear the headset and "embody" Alfred and the rest of the group watched the experience on the tv or computer. Several students were able to embody Alfred.

Visual Details-

When you embody a person on the program, you feel as if you are really in their world. Although a bit hazy, all the details are in the environment. Part of the haziness is necessary because it goes with embodying Alfred. The program is well thought out visually to include details as well as the whole picture. I loved the flowers when Alfred is at the birthday party!

Virtual Fluidity-

I had a bit of trouble with some "glitching" and freezing but when it was working well, it was smooth and lifelike. When I was interacting with my hands to complete tasks, like to complete the test or write on the board, it was not as fluid.

Educational Value-

On a scale of 1-10, I give this a 10 for educational value. The whole experience was life changing. My students gained a perspective of seniors that they had no other way of experiencing. Now, when my students work with elders or care for older family members, they will have a compassion and understanding that will be priceless. The English teacher was able to do many activities with the students based on the curricular information provided. From the lab results to writing about the embodiment, students could learn and express their learning in a variety of ways.

Entertainment Value-

The goal of this program isn't really to entertain but it is still very entertaining. The added interactive touches are fun. It is very realistic and well thought out.

Total Score out of 5 stars:

• I give this a 4.9 out of 5 with its only issue of "glitchiness" that I probably could have worked out if I reinstalled it.

Reviewer + reviewers comments:

• The people at Embodied Labs were so generous and helpful. They've made a compassionate program that will change lives. They provided our school with extensive curricular material for both Labs. They followed through with everything they said they would do. Our school will always be grateful for the opportunity to use this program.

~Comments~

Google Blocks: A Review by Bobby Massey

Google Blocks is a free to play virtual building game, where the user can create structures with many different shapes of all different sizes. The user can then view and edit this creation from all different angles.

Grade Level: 3rd Grade - 8th Grade

Visual Details- Google Blocks has decent graphics and a great visual view spectrum from all angle and a strong sense of the 3rd dimension. The graphics flow well and are very fluent with the motion of the controllers.

Virtual Fluidity- The game overall is very fluid, with a smooth 60 fps (frames per second) for most parts of the game. Here and there, you will experience a minor glitch or frozen frame, but nothing major.

Educational Value- On a traditional 1-10 scale, the educational value of Google Blocks is a solid 7. It provides a strong geometric learning pathway with all the different building scales and possibilities, all while being entertaining and fun.

Entertainment Value- On a scale of 1-10, I would give Google Blocks a 6/10. It gives you a thrilling sense of freedom and creativity with your builds, yet a solid, defined building area which is easy to undo or redo certain actions.

Total Score out of 5 stars: 7/10