FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Bob Kavetsky (301) 934-0385 rkavetsky@etcmd.com BOOK PROMOTES VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS FOR TRAINING La Plata, Md., September 19, 2009 – Although the use of simulation tools to mimic real environments has been well developed for pilot training programs, virtual environments that provide fully immersive environments with voice and natural action based interfaces are relatively new tools available to train the future workforce. Training in Virtual Environments: A Safe, Cost-Effective, and Engaging Approach to Training, a new book written by the Center for Energetic Concepts Development/Energetics Technology Center Team – Satyandra K. Gupta, Davinder K. Anand, John E. Brough, Maxim Schwartz, and Robert A. Kavetsky, looks at this issue. It describes the various components of the Virtual Training Studio system that was developed at the author’s laboratory with a budget of less than $50,000 using off-the-shelf hardware components. “Training of scientists, engineers, and technicians is an increasingly important and costly initiative. In our studies we found that participants that completed virtual training performed correctly in a physical demonstration over 97% of the time,” says Max Schwartz, software engineer for the Energetics Technology Center and one of the principal authors for the book. “This is a promising finding and we hope that it will encourage the use of virtual environments as a routine tool for training, as well as for design and simulation.” Currently the Center for Energetic Concepts Development at the University of Maryland, College Park, and the Energetics Technology Center in La Plata, Maryland, are working on developing methodologies for training in virtual environments. To request a copy of this book, please email jpinkey@etcmd.com or call 301-934-0385 ext. 700. The Energetics Technology Center is a private, non-profit enterprise dedicated to growing science and technology in Southern Maryland. The Energetics Technology Center focuses on workforce and economic development in the region and is a catalyst for energetics research and development. The Center is currently based in La Plata, Maryland. # # #