Virtual Environments, Objects and Video-Communication for E-learning: Virtual World 3D

Abstract

In this paper an innovative platform to manage e-learning activities, courses and related multimedia databases, in a virtual 3D representation is discussed. Virtual World 3D, an advanced interfacing based on real scenarios and animated contextual objects, is presented. The system, ASP and Java Technology based, has been developed in the ENEA Usability Lab, Casaccia Research Center, in collaboration with the University of Rome "La Sapienza". The system allows the web end-user to access to virtual courses and multimedia web pages. Virtual World 3D is integrated with Matrix platform to visualise multimedia data exclusively through queries to relational and distributed databases. Virtual World 3D is finalized both to manage e-learning activities and the online study. It provides also advanced communication between docent/student for web lessons and seminars. An overview of how the system works and of the complex system architecture is given. Then the experimental results, using Virtual World 3D and MATRIX 3 in e-learning experience, and the final comments are discussed.