3D authoring tool for blended learning

Abstract

Over the last years, a growing interest in blended learning, that can be defined as the mixing of online courses with face-to-face courses taking advantage of both worlds [7, 17, 33], has been on the increase. This paper proposes a computerized tool for collaborative authoring of revitalized reusable teaching modules (so-called learning objects – LO) for blended learning. The tool will orchestrate the timing of various classroom activities (e.g. multimedia presentations, team activities, case studies, etc.) and can assist with the way how a learning management system (e.g. Moodle) interact with students. The tool also addresses the need for collaboration when several teachers work on the development of the same course offered at more than one branch of the college. While trying to fill up the gap between objects storage and retrieval standards and the object’s usage in the class context under given learning theory based on constructivism and connectionism, the paper also presents visual metaphors for the described authoring tool. The tool is assumed to save the teacher’s time and energy to make teaching more effective.