Activity: Collaboration vs. working solo - Brain data

TL:DR: In class activity for my second project where I am trying to understand how different modes of interaction affect the way we understand and work with brain data (in this case a 3D model) in a neuroscience research setting?

Pre-Work

Before class, please complete the following steps:

1. Accept the App Invite: https://www.meta.com/s/35SMlLHo0

2. Install the App:

   • Open the invite link on your phone or computer (make sure you're logged into the same Meta account as your headset).

   • Accept the invite and install the app on your headset.
     
     

Class Activity Flow

What is fMRI? Where do we use it? Why do we use it?

fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a brain imaging technique that shows which areas of the brain are active by tracking changes in blood flow. It helps researchers understand how the brain works during tasks like thinking, feeling, or making decisions.

For the activity, you'll see a 3D brain model rendered from MRI data, but no animation to show fMRI.

Priming the Activity

Now, imagine you're a neuroscience researcher designing a study. You have access to immersive tools to better understand and communicate about the brain.

We’ll explore three different ways to interact with the same model and consider how each affects the experience and collaboration.

Instructions for Class Activity

We’ll divide the class into three groups. Each group will rotate through three scenarios:

1. Collaborative VR

2. Casting Mode

3. Single-Player Exploration

As you explore each scenario, note how collaboration works (or doesn’t). What can you note about the brain? What are the pros and cons of each mode? You’ll reflect on all three at the end. PLEASE REFLECT OUT LOUD AS WELL!!! And engage with other people in the class when going through each mode. 

3 Exploration Scenarios

Collaborative Mode

TL;DR: Multiple people in VR at once, working together.

Number of headsets: Group size (max. 4)

Steps:

• Everyone in your group should be on the same Wi-Fi network.

• Connect to RLAB Wi-Fi
  (Password: metropolis)

• Launch the app in each headset.

• Interact together in the shared virtual space.

Casting Mode

TL;DR: One person in VR, others watch on a screen.

Number of headsets: 1

Steps:

• Connect the computer to the Brown Wi-Fi network.

• Open https://www.oculus.com/casting in Google Chrome.

• Log in with the same Meta account as the headset.

• In the headset hit “Cast”, you should be able to see this on the browser. 

• One person explores in VR while others watch and discuss.
  
  

Single-Player Mode

TL;DR: Take turns using VR solo.

Number of headsets: 1

Steps:

• Connect the headset to Brown-Guest Wi-Fi.

• Only one person in the group uses the headset at a time.

• Launch the app and explore the brain model individually.

• After a few minutes, pass the headset to the next group member.
  
  

Wrapping up

Once you’ve completed all three scenarios, fill out the form HERE