Coming 'face-to-jaw' with the worlds second largest shark, virtually
A group of students studying marine biology at Western University took a deep-dive into the ocean today – learning about ocean ecosystems virtually.
“What you are going to go through, is mimicked off of real life,” said Marine Ecology Assistant Professor Paul Mensink as he prepared his class to swim with one of the world’s most vulnerable species – the planets second largest shark – the basking.
“We are trying to immerse the students and engage them in the content, by using this type of immersive technology to really give them the feel that they’re there,” said Mensink.
The class is the first to use the new innovative augmented-reality app called MarineXR that brings them virtually into an oceans cape, where they swim beside the basking shark.
“It’s very difficult for me to put the student out on the coast because we’re in London, so this is one technique we can use to actually take them to the coast, through immersive technology,” adds Mensink.
The students use their cellphones to board an augmented-reality boat and navigate the sea of shark fins. When they tap their phones on the fins, they can attach satellite-tracking tags to the sharks and then dive into the ocean to come face-to-jaw with the giant creature.VR technology used by Western University students that allows them to dive with basking sharks. (Source: MarineXR)
“I can tell you it was definitely a lot more interesting than us sitting and listening to someone talk about it…We don’t have the opportunity to go and dive into the ocean, to go tag these sharks on the surface of the ocean, it’s a nice way to actually see what people are doing to help conserve these species,” said Nicole Bija, fourth-year biodiversity and conservation student at Western.
According to Mensink, the app is also part of a research project which investigates whether students learn better with immersive technology or by watching a video or hearing a lecture.A basking shark during a marine biology lecture at Western University featuring VR technology. (Source: MarineXR)
Mensink and his team are the first Canadian researchers to be awarded a grant from Unity Charitable Fund, a fund of the Tides Foundation, in the amount of US$50,000 (C$62,000).
The grant supports the development of the EnviroXR tool, with London-based creative technology firm EXAR Studios, in developing and testing the app.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
In his new book 'As Long as You Need', hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.