We have developed a Virtual Dolphinarium providing a participating
child with autism the sense of being totally immersed into simulated dolphin lagoon. Children with autism could interact
in real-time with Pink Dolphins within the Virtual Dolphinarium.
Emphasis was placed on teaching these children hand
gesture-based communication in a fun way by enabling them to
play the role of a “dolphin trainer.” This research also explores
the use of stereographic visualization and hand gesturing as a
way to engage children with autism in poolside activities. The
Virtual Dolphinarium has advantages of controllability, replicability,
and being programmable for such children to play with
the virtual dolphins. In other words, the VDI program allows instruction
to be deliveredwith consistency and can be repeated an
infinite number of times without degradation of fidelity which
is difficult for physical dolphin encounters to achieve. Besides,
VR technology is capable of providing a wide range of situations
and scenarios that can be used to teach or impart certain
basic hand gestures that form functional sign language to children
with autism. Also VR technology can simulate scenarios
that are too risky or impractical especially for children with
autism to experience in real life. Hence, it provides ample opportunities
for them to practice without having to worry of being
hurt or injured.