Using xAPI to support blended simulation

OLab and OpenLabyrinth have always been good at providing the contextual glue that holds together various simulation modalities. Here are some examples of projects where OpenLabyrinth has supported blended simulation activities:

  • Virtual Spinal Tap – uses haptic simulation to model the feeling of needle insertion
  • Rushing Roulette – timed tasks with a $30 Arduino lie detector!
  • Crevasse Rescue – multiple teams & disciplines, with high & low fidelity simulators
  • R. Ed Nekke – bookending around Laerdal mannequin scenario

But now with xAPI providing the background data linking to a Learning Record Store, it is much easier to do this across a wider range of tools and platforms. Some of the above mentioned projects used a very sophisticated gamut of high-speed networks, at considerable cost.

Doing this now with xAPI is proving to be much more flexible, scalable and cost effective. To support haptic projects, like Virtual Spinal Tap, we are now working with the Medbiq Learning Experience Working Group on an xAPI Haptics Profile. Check it out and give us feedback.

Hello OLab4!

Welcome to OLab4, our education research platform.

This free, open-source, software grew out of OpenLabyrinth (openlabyrinth.ca), an application that was originally designed to create virtual patients. OLab4 has grown far beyond these roots and now supports a wide range of educational activities.

All of these activities can be tracked and analyzed, which opens up many research opportunities.