We design and test innovative technology and model-based approaches for training and education.
Using virtual and augmented reality, simulators, and gamification, we create engaging, realistic, and effective training programs. Training materials and tasks are designed based on competency models that describe the required knowledge and skills. Training schedule and repetition are designed based on cognitive models that predict the progress of skill acquisition and retention. We collect scientific evidence of training effectiveness by conducting control group comparisons and comprehensively evaluating training outcomes, satisfaction, and skill retention. Our projects include virtual reality exercise games to promote physical activities among people living with dementia, augmented reality procedure assistance system for pilot trainees, and training manual improvements for process industry operating procedures.
Related publications, theses, and grants
Exercise game
- Eisapour, M., Cao, S., & Boger, J. (2020). Participatory design and evaluation of virtual reality(VR) games to promote engagement in physical activity for people living with dementia. Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering, 7, 2055668320913770.
- Li, Y., Muñoz, J., Mehrabi, S., Middleton, L., Cao, S., & Boger, J. (2020). Framework to design, develop, and evaluate virtual reality exergames for promoting physical activity in older adults. HCI International 2020, LNCS 12211, 128–147.
- Muñoz, J., Cao, S., & Boger, J. (2019). Kinematically adaptive exergames: Personalizing exercise therapy through closed-loop systems. IEEE International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality (AIVR).
- Mahzar Eisapour (2018). Design and Evaluation of Virtual Reality Exergames for People Living with Dementia. UWSpace. http://hdl.handle.net/10012/13694.
- University of Waterloo Trailblazer Grant. Designing adaptive virtual reality exergames for people living with dementia.
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Engage Grant. Developing virtual reality exercise games for people living with dementia.
- University of Waterloo Network for Aging Research (NAR) Catalyst Grant. Virtual reality exergames to improve access to strength and range of motion exercise among people living with dementia.
Aviation training
- Hayden, E., Wang, K., Wu, C., & Cao, S.(2020). An augmented reality (AR) procedure assistance system for flight simulator training. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 64.
- Mitacs Accelerate Grant. Competency-based education for airside professionals..
Industrial operation training
- Cao, S., Chan, K., & Elkamel, A. (2019). A controlled experiment investigating the effects of explanatory manual on adherence to operating procedures. Safety, 5(2), 1-12.
- Keziah Chan (2017). Examining the Importance of Understanding During Training: An Industrial Perspective. UWSpace. http://hdl.handle.net/10012/12377.
