VERSE: Workflows for simulation and virtual world telemetry and control

Simulation involves learners engaging in practices that replicate real-world practice. Feedback and other educational benefit is derived both from direct observation and from the analysis of data capture representing learner actions. Many if not most information systems generate logs and other records of their use but these are usually stored in or in close proximity to the device or system itself. A number of newer systems provide some kind of API (application programming interface) for accessing and controlling them from elsewhere. Telemetry is the remote recording and analysis of data and information. The VERSE project (Virtual Educational Research Services Environment) has been funded by the Canadian Fund for innovation to develop virtual reality research infrastructure. The project has focused on two areas: a) creating a centralized system for capturing telemetry from multiple and heterogeneous devices and b) distributed control of authoring and the execution of simulation activities using OpenLabyrinth and Second Life. This presentation will explain and demonstrate the work of the VERSE project and describe the data models and workflows for the remote capture of simulation telemetry and how a game state engine can be used to control events and interactions in a virtual world platform.