The affect of collaboratively programming robots in a 3D virtual simulation

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant disaster of March 2011 revealed much about Japan´s lack of preparedness for nuclear accidents. Despite the brave efforts of its labor force leading up to, and in the aftermath of, the reactor explosions, it became apparent that coordination and communication were disorganized. The research summarized in this paper will examine how students in Japan and UK collaborate; eventually towards a better understanding of the challenges and possible solutions when dealing with disaster recovery such as Fukushima. The context for collaboration is set within a 3D virtual world with students programming robots to follow distinct circuits. The immersion affect of programming, constructing, collaborating and communicating is captured to determine task criteria of educational value. This interdisciplinary `information science´ research incorporates computer science, cognitive science, the social sciences, communication and design.