As an ongoing project, we are keen to explore the use of
the Virtual Dolphinarium for other autism related researches
such as sign language learning, life skill learning, etc. The current
pilot study allowed one child with autism per time to interact
with the virtual pink dolphins. We are interested in the
autism collaborative learning [47]. In fact, the circular Immersive
Room designed is suitable for multiple participants such
as children with autism. Some children with autism had problems
with the 3-D glasses partially because that the active shuttering
glasses used in this project are designed for adults. Lighter
weight 3-D glasses for kids should be sought for children with
autism. Glass-free stereographic visualization might be an alternative
solution.
Calibration is required for each participant to have gesture
recognized. Due to the limitations of the Kinect hardware and
calibration software, some children with autism may take a long
time for this process to complete. Future work will include developing
calibration free or easier calibration methods for gesture
recognition.
The observation in this pilot study was based on a small
sample size. In terms of I&T research, there are several topics
(e.g., stimuli, intervention, and outcomes) we are yet to study
with the VDI.