Optimized development time

To develop the virtual training module for dissecting amphibians, ICAP chose Inetum 's Intraverse platform by subscribing to a Sketcher license, the virtual world editor. A choice motivated by several specific features of the solution. Among these, the availability of ready-to-use features for the considerable time savings they offer. For example, an interaction with an object (opening a door, grabbing a tool, etc.) is created by "drag and drop" combined with the configuration of options. "The same thing with a classic VR development tool takes more time," comments Anthony Côte.

Intraverse also stands out for its multi-platform aspect. "Developing once and making the result accessible simultaneously on VR headset and PC was essential for us in order to not exclude anyone." Anthony Côte mentions in particular individuals who are inconvenienced by the use of the headset who can thus turn to the PC environment in order to carry out the dissection exercise serenely (at the cost, however, of a loss of learning of the outline of the gesture). "In our eyes, it is essential that the solution be agnostic in terms of hardware, familiarity and capacities."

The autonomy offered by the Inetum tool is also an appreciated quality. "Intraverse users can modify their own immersive experiences themselves up to a certain level without constantly depending on an external development team," emphasizes Anthony Côte. And when the modification of an option in the software code is necessary to gain autonomy on a feature, the ICAP spokesperson praises the quality of his relationship with the Inetum Innovation teams. "We clearly feel that our needs are being listened to. There is an understanding behind it and the contact always comes back with answers to our questions. It is pleasant and productive to work with Inetum."

Share functionalities

Intraverse also allows certain functionalities to be shared between two immersive universes. An asset that facilitates the development of immersive teaching methods within educational establishments. A tooth cutout for a dentistry course was thus used directly from a function adapted from a frog cutout built by ICAP. Being able to share tools and collaborative productions between teaching teams “is a fairly important source of empowerment,” considers Anthony Côte.

Accessible within the Virtual Lab (a university room with 10 VR stations for practical work), the virtual dissection sequence is still in the experimental phase. Anthony Côte is hopeful that VR will eventually spread into teaching. "Like any educational resource, it will be integrated if we find uses for it." The experimentation of the digital dissection module is also appreciated by professors who see "good potential in comparative anatomy and the ability to introduce new varieties in teaching and assessment methods." Especially since the photorealistic aspect of the media is not the main purpose of the virtual experience. "The idea is to familiarize yourself with the procedures. It all depends on the educational objective and Intraverse can be used for complex learning," concludes Anthony Côte.