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Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that is currently still in its infancy. Most forms of VR that are now available to the average consumer have only been publicly accessible for about four years. Due to the novelty of VR, most people are not exactly familiar with its functions, the technology behind it, and its potential real-life application.

VR is a simulated experience that attempts to immerse a user in a completely computer-generated environment. This is most commonly done through the use of headsets and controllers that are being tracked in real time allowing one to not only see a virtual world in 3D, but also to move around, and interact with objects within that virtual space.

Currently, the most popular and well-known use of VR is in entertainment. This can range from video games that allow for full immersion, to movies and videos shot using 360-degree cameras placing the viewer right in the action. In addition to that there are also other forms of VR, such as Augmented Reality (AR), which adds digital elements on top of a real-world environment in order to enhance what we see, and Mixed Reality (MR), which combines elements of VR and AR so that physical objects in the real world interact with digital objects. Companies and independent business are also prototyping and experimenting with a variety of ideas, such as gloves that provide haptic feedback allowing the user to actually feel virtual objects and their texture, or treadmills that allow you to comfortably walk and run around in an environment without needing to worry that you will hit a wall in real-life.

However, one use that is becoming more popular and potentially more important due to its real-life application is VR’s use in education and training. Due to the sheer limitless possibilities that VR provides it can not only provide entertainment to people, but it can also be used to simulate scenarios that would otherwise be too dangerous, too expensive, or even completely impossible to create without VR. For example, in medical school they can use the different forms of VR to teach anatomy. Students are able to see a 3D model of the human body and can manipulate it and dissect it. This allows them to get a clear view of bodily functions without needing to either dissect physical bodies, or work with real models that might lack the same level of interactivity. In addition to that, it can save money as trying to get a cadaver to dissect can be pricey and is not as easy to come by as a virtual one. Furthermore, it can also be used to train surgeons, allowing them to get familiar with the operation procedure in a safe and controlled environment whilst still maintaining a high level of realism.

On the other hand, VR can also be used in high schools. According to Paula Dias Leite, a professor at Webster University Geneva, who is currently working on a PhD in VR/AR/MR Story Telling, schools began using this technology in order to “engage students in subjects that they might not be interested in”. She has seen VR being used in science classes to show students the concepts that they are studying. For example, in a chemistry class they could enter VR and look at different molecules and elements to see their makeup, and how they might bond with others. This can help the students make sense of what they are studying as visualizing it in an interactive environment can help reinforce what they see in class and in their textbooks. However, there are some issues that could arise when using VR. Leite said that one main concern when using VR is that it has a tendency of making people motion sick. This is mainly caused by a disconnect between what is being seen, and what the rest of the body perceives. A sense of discomfort and nausea is more common in younger people as their bodies are still developing, therefore experts advise against the use of VR for people under the age of 20.

Overall, VR is still undergoing heavy development as it has not been around for a long time. There are still new devices and technologies that are being worked on in order to improve the overall user-experience. Virtual Reality is the most immersive technology available at the moment, allowing users to experience almost anything, anywhere, and at any time. As the technology becomes more sophisticated the amount of possible applications can only increase.

Which Games to Play and Which to Avoid?

Video games have become a massive industry with immense popularity. Every year there are thousands of games being released from large publishers and small independent developers. With the current lockdown many people have decided to spend some of their newfound free time by digging out their consoles and PCs to get back to playing some games. If you are one of those people you might be wondering what you should be playing. To help with that decision I conducted a survey to see what games people play, and also what games they would suggest you don’t play.

To begin people were asked what their favorite genre of games is. 88% of respondents have said that their favorite genre is Adventure, followed by Open-World, and Action in second and third place respectively. If these are the genres that are the most enjoyed by people, then those might be ones that you could look into. I think that this comes from the fact that these genres are usually tied to games with rich stories and worlds that can really immerse the player, allowing them to escape into another realm. This is also evidenced by the responses given when asked what genres they enjoy the least. The bottom genres in this case were Sports, Racing, and Simulation.

What genre of games do you enjoy the most?

What genre of games do you enjoy the least?

If you are looking for more concrete game recommendations instead of just genres to guide you, then you might want to look at the respondents’ favorite games of all time. Now, the sample size of this survey was fairly small, and this question is an extremely subjective one, thus almost every single answer to this question differed from person to person. However, there was one series of games that was mentioned more than once. The Uncharted series was the only game series that was mentioned by multiple participants. Uncharted was developed by Naughty Dog, interestingly they also have another game that is in this list of favorites – The Last of Us. The fact that they are the only developer that is featured multiple times in this list probably says something about the quality of their games.

What is your favourite video game of all time?

Despite this, we cannot ignore the other games that are mentioned here as they each are iconic in their own way. Minecraft has become the best-selling video game of all time with its procedurally generated worlds and intuitive gameplay. Mario is potentially one of the most recognizable video game characters of all time and has defined platformers since his debut in 1981. I would say that every single game listed here is worth checking out.

On the other hand, there are some games that you may have heard about, but they could have been disappointing and lead to less than enjoyable experiences. Whilst I think that everyone should be free to play and enjoy whatever they want, when asked about games that they think are overrated and should be avoided, there was a much more unified opinion among the respondents. Despite its massive popularity, Fortnite was the game with the highest amount of people suggesting it be avoided, followed by Fifa, and League of Legends.

What game would you tell people to avoid?

Looking at the previous responses regarding genre it makes sense that FIFA is among this list, as it is a sport simulation game. When looking at the favorite genres however, it is surprising to see Fortnite and League of Legends on this list, as they are both very popular action games. However, the respondents said that they don’t recommend these games because they are overrated. For League of Legends, they also mentioned the idea of toxicity and how terrible the player community is.

Ultimately, the decision about what to play is your own. Some of the participants seem to agree with this sentiment, as 10% of them did not list any game to avoid, and instead wrote that games are about fun, and that everyone should be able to make their own choice.

How to Make Waffles with Sour Cream and Berries

Why not try a new recipe while in quarantine? This video shows a step by step guide to preparing the yummiest waffles with sour cream and berries, which are also gluten free and will make a good addition to your breakfast menu.

My Quarantine Diary

Our lifestyles have changed dramatically in a matter of several months due to the spread of COVID-19. A majority of the politicians and public figures around the world have urged people to stay home, which was supported by shops, restaurants, bars, museums, movie theaters and other places by closing. Suddenly, we’re forced to change our habits and find ourselves in a situation we’ve never been in before. What will we tell our grandkids about these times? I’ve made some observations, from my self-isolation experience in Russia, that some of you might find relatable

After you self-isolate, soon each day will feel the same – not only due to the lack of changes in decorations, but also how your life is linked to your computer. You attend online classes, visit museums and expositions around the world, work out with the help of your trainer’s live broadcast, order goods online, talk with your friends using Zoom or FaceTime. Quarantine has proved you can do pretty much everything online, but it’s only after COVID-19 it became clear to me how much I miss the outside world.

“Suddenly, we’re forced to change our habits and find ourselves in a situation we’ve never been in before”

The most recommended tip to keep your spirits up during the confinement is to dress up as if it were a regular day and you’re going out. I was skeptical at first imagining how ridiculous I would look washing dishes in my brand-new shirt. However, a few weeks into quarantine and I’ve realized how putting on lipstick and taking out the trash can become a highlight of the day.

I was so happy with my 50 meters squared apartment until I spent a month stuck inside it, pacing from the bedroom to the living room 100 times a day. I felt the walls closing in leaving less space to move and hoped they wouldn’t collapse on me before the quarantine ends.

I caught myself thinking about it when I tried to exercise at home instead of my usual three-times-a-week session at the gym. Following the moves of a trainer on a disrupted video of Instagram live stream I’ve tried my best not to hit the sofa with my leg, the TV with my arm and my dog who was wondering what on earth I was doing.

Because of self-isolation I felt extremely jealous of people with big houses in the countryside, which have yards filled with green grass and trees blossoming in the spring sun. I was jealous for something as little as a balcony, where you could put a table out and enjoy a coffee in the morning.

Several people I know have admitted that the lack of other memorable activities during the day is causing them to open the door of the fridge way more often. The fact that many are trying to learn how to cook during the confinement has probably also contributed to people running out of food faster.

However, when you go to the grocery store every once in a while, it turns out some goods are hard to find. After it was announced, that things with COVID-19 got out of control, a lot of people started to panic and buy goods in huge quantities as if the apocalypse is coming. Toilet paper became especially popular with frightened buyers around the world, while in Russia another surprising item has joined it in this category – buckwheat. The reason why these brown grains have gained sudden recognition is still a mystery to me.

While in self-isolation I try to maintain a connection with my friends and family through messages and video calls, but it still doesn’t replace their physical presence. It’s weird realizing how long ago it was when I arrived in Moscow, and still haven’t visited my loved ones. Usually, there is the distance between Russia and Switzerland, that separates us, but now we still can’t see each other, even if we’re in the same town.

What really brings me joy during self-isolation are those rare moments of going outside to the grocery store or pharmacy. How nice it is to finally be on the move and filling your lungs with fresh air. Although the town surrounding me is the exact opposite, very depressing. Once full of loud voices, the streets are now empty and silent, with posters on the walls calling for people to stay home, the rare pedestrians wearing medical masks, moving aside when you approach them. The atmosphere reminds me of an apocalyptic movie and it’s weird to think that it’s all really happening.

It might be hard to live in self-isolation for a long time and adapt to the challenges these times bring us, but there are many people out there suffering and medical professionals burning out trying to help them. At least, we’re lucky to have them, and able to help with doing as little as staying at home.

Webster on Lockdown

Due to the current situation regarding the coronavirus everyone has been self-isolating and staying at home. This has had quite an impact on the whole atmosphere of the Webster campus. There are barely any people present on campus, which has resulted in making this place feel abandoned.

The Webster van covered in dirt and pollen as it has not been used in months.

The lounge that used to be busy with students and music is now empty and quiet.

The commons room that used to host events and seminars. Neither the chairs nor the backdrop have been put away.

A locked door leading to the IT lab, media lab, and the study room.

Tables and chairs outside the cafeteria have been put aside as there is no one here to use them.

The admin building with all the shutters closed, even on the front door.

A Walk in Bellevue

Webster University Geneva’s campus is located in the lakeside village of Bellevue, surrounded by vinyards and beautiful vistas. In this vlog I want to show you some of the surrounding area and just give you a sense of what there is to see around here.

The New Reality