Imagining the Future
Internet2 K-12 Applications at TJHSST
Introduction
The new high speed Internet2 with
its data transfer rate of 2.4 gigabits per second will provide a different
dimension for interactive applications. Since the relative speed of this
new medium
will be over 40,000 times faster than a typical 56K dial-up connection to
the regular Internet from
home, it will essentially
be fast enough to download the entire contents of our school's
very full web-server in just one second!
Such a fast data rate will permit remote access to graphically intense
materials, including such things as real-time video conferencing, media
rich applications with embedded video and audio as well as tele-immersion.
There is also
potential
to access computational resources that are not currently available at
the K-12 level such as remote distributed computational systems, supercomputers,
and real-time virtual reality environments. High speed bandwidth is coming,
but will the Educational Community be ready to utilize it?
Students and teachers at
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
are attempting to experiment with the
potential of this new technology.
The following are broad categories of projects that we
are currently working on in our investigation of applications
that could utilize such broadband access as
we explore Advanced Network and Services' latest challenge
called Imagining
the Future. The projects are being developed through one
of TJ's advanced computer sccience electives,
Supercomputer Applications, which deals with
3-D graphics and scientific visulaization techniques.
- Geoscience with World Geography
A course that
could combine the Standard of Learning Objectives for Geoscience and
World Geography, but taught in the context of the Internet2 utilizing
satellite data and interactive applications such as 3-D visualization
of the globe through TerraVision's Digital Earth. A first proposed
prototype will be Jamestown.
- The Physics Toolbox
The development of
some highly interactive tools that could support education in the
physical sciences following the Virginia Public School's Standards of
Learning in Physics from Kindergarten
through High School and Advanced Placement
Physics.i Several projects are planned here including 3-D Stereoscopic
visualization of physical principles including molectular model, ideal
gasses, and areas of mechanics including interactive springs.
-
Stellar and Planetary Accretion Models
A 3D application using distributed computation that will allow users the
ability to experiment with a computer model showing how stars and planets
form.
-
Exploring Virtual Worlds
Several projects will model a 3D environment in OpenGL Graphics
where users can navigate and explore rich
digital resources. One suggested prototype is a virtual tour through
the Whitehouse where students can access historic video clips and
digitized original research materials.
-
Helping Hand
This project attempts to model a three dimensional hand that users
will be able to maniputate from a remote distance. The project will
eventually use a cyberglove as an input device and will have a number
of practical applications.
-
Virtual Games
Several projects are planned under this category. The games will be
modeled using physical principles, but people will be able to experiment
with different scenarios. Several projects will use UNIX sockets to allow
true multi-use interaction across Internet2. Some of the games proposed
include Basketball and Pool.
Donald W. Hyatt
dhyatt@tjhsst.edu