The federal agency this week launched the EdSim Challenge, a $680,000 competition to explore how virtual and augmented reality, 3-D simulations and multiplayer video games can enhance learning.
“We encourage developers from all disciplines to answer our call and help define the future of applied learning.”
Officials encourage game developers to collaborate to come up with computer-generated virtual and augmented reality educational experiences, and make them available through open source licenses so that they are low cost.
Participants should submit their simulation concepts by Jan. 17, 2017. A panel of judges will evaluate the submissions and select up to five finalists who will move on to the Virtual Accelerator phase and then model their submissions at Demo Day.
Judges will be looking at five criteria, including learning outcomes, engagement, commitment, implementation strategy, and scalability and expansion.
Each finalist will win $50,000 and get access to mentors to help them refine their ideas and build prototypes. The Challenge grand prize winner will be awarded the remainder of the cash pool, around $430,000. The winner will also receive additional winnings from sponsors like IBM, Microsoft, Oculus and Samsung.
See the full story here: http://fedscoop.com/education-department-launches-virtual-reality-challenge