Video of environment

More screenshots

more screenshots of the build on UDK, i am putting the assets all on one scene to be able to view them. However its almost as if I've created a art gallery or zoo! possiblt further development to mention in my final presentation.

Screenshots

Importing to UDK4

Final concept

The aim of my project this year was to create a learning tool for younger students. I wanted to create a 3d application that not only taught children but kept them motivated whilst they learnt. The reason being is that teaching is something I'd like to consider for the future (After gaining industry experience). My concept was to create 3d models of famous landmarks/buildings/statues etc.(throughout the essay I will call them landmarks) And have small signs around the buildings containing information about the certain landmark. I thought 3-4 models would be a realistic goal. As the models were created using 3d software, they would have the feel of playing a video game, which obviously most younger people enjoy doing. So by doing this it would keep them interested but also help them to learn without realising they are learning. The main target audience for this product was aimed at primary school children. I feel it would help them learn more about the world and various types of history.

Initially my concept was to build models that could then be viewed in Google maps by clicking on them then a 360 view of the model would load up and the user could view the model, but I wanted to push my idea further and thought using it as a learning tool was a better idea. Finding the landmarks would teach the students about the geographical location of the landmark and the 3d view would teach the students more about the history of the location.

My visual style was initially to keep the builds as realistic as possible, but as never being to these places and all the small intricate carvings within, I thought I'd go for a simpler design, as not only would it take a very long time but I thought a simpler texture would be more appropriate as I am aiming my idea towards the younger generation.

After I made the change to make a learning tool, I began reading more about psychology and what keeps the brain stimulated when it comes to learning something new. Which led me to the concept of my idea.

Update

It has been a while since I updated, mainly due to being busy with the work!

As you know I have an idea in my head that involves using Google maps and 3d modeling for teaching children about famous structures/buildings/statues etc.

So I had a look through some child psychology books and had read through to find out ways to communicate with younger people. As the concept I have is for teaching, it is vital I try to keep the work interesting so that the students want to learn. The visual style of my approach to texturing has also changed. I was initially going to go for a realistic style but as I have never really been to most of the landmarks I am creating so it would be pretty much impossible to do the textures justice (working from photos is just to difficult) , I thought I'd go for a more child friendly texturing style.

In the next few days I will upload some images , and will also be using a website  to show my models, check it out, the models can also be viewed on phones/tablets www.sketchfab.com

info link

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/1879019.stmhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/1879019.stm

Notes

Children have different ways of learning which the education experts have roughly grouped these into three basic styles – auditory, visual and kinaesthetic.

It is estimated that 80 percent of what we learn is through our vision. Students of this style are drawn to paintings, crafts, and other arts. They also have a wonderful sense of imagination and are known to be very creative. Children who are primarily visual learners tend to get information through reading books. They can also learn more from pictures and other visual materials. If you notice that your child is tidy and organised in their learning habits, then he might be a visual learner.

Visual learners

As their name suggests, these people learn through watching. It’s believed to be the most dominant learning style and many traditional classrooms are geared towards the visual learner. For their learning to make sense they need to be able to see, visualise and illustrate their knowledge skills and concepts. Visual learning characteristics include:

• remembering visual details
• preferring to see what they are learning
• needing to have paper and pens handy
• doodling while listening
• liking to write down instructions or see them demonstrated

More about visual learners

Telling these learners how to do something may not make sense to them at all – they need to see it.

It’s important to watch your child's learning behaviors to determine whether he is a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner. When parents know their child's best way to learn, they can help their child learn more effectively. And part of this process is for parents to understand their own learning style because we tend to teach in that style.

http://www.kidspot.com.au/schoolzone/Learning-styles-Visual-learning-style-in-children+4086+391+article.htm

3 Models I intend to build

I've been furthering my research and deciding which Landmarks to reconstruct in 3d for my project,

Statue of Liberty

Chichen Itza

Great Pyramid of Giza

Taj Mahal

Project Update - Semester 2.

Project Update - Semester 2.

My thoughts for this project have developed further, instead of just creating, buildings , streets etc. I am going to create a series of famous buildings from around the world. My thoughts being is that they could be used on online maps, or mobile map apps. The builds will be done purely on 3D software. This may appeal to educational institutes for teaching children about the history of certain landmarks. It will also motivate them to learn as they will be interacting with the environment, making them feel as if they are playing a video game.