Distance geographic learning based on collaborative virtual environment

Abstract

Although collaborative e-learning has been applied in many fields, it is rarely reported in geographic education. This paper describes one prototype of collaborative virtual geographic education environment (CVGEE). The prototype, developed using Java and Java 3D, provides one immersive 3-dimensional environment and many virtual teaching methods including virtual geographic environment, virtual geographic process. Teachers and learners can discuss with each other in a social way by combination virtualization and reality. Group learning and normal teacher-learner relationship can then be realized in CVGEE. An experiment was conducted to test the functions of the CVGEE prototype. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.