Distributed Virtual Reality: Building a Multi-User Layer for the EVE Platform

In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a VRML97 multi-user layer, which is introduced in the EVE distributed virtual reality platform. Though other approaches use a VRML node insertion mechanism, such as VSPLUS, or a substitution mechanism, such as SPIN-3D, our approach uses a removal mechanism. Main consideration of our multi-user extension is the ease of transforming single-user virtual worlds into multi-user virtual worlds, as well as the conformity with any standard VRML97 browser. Furthermore, we present the EVE' s communication platform, which can be used in order to support Collaborative Virtual Environments. Main issues regarding the effective network communication as well as the initialization of the 3D scene are discussed in this paper

Extending the Limits of CVE' s to Support Collaborative e-Learning Scenarios

This paper proposes the use of collaborative virtual environments in order to provide collaborative e-learning services in an efficient and cost effective way. On the one hand, we present the transformation of well known collaborative learning techniques to collaborative elearning scenarios. The collaborative learning techniques, which are discussed in this paper, are brainstorming/roundtable, think pair share, jigsaw, quickwrites/microthemes, and structured academic controversies. On the other hand, we describe the necessary modifications of the collaborative virtual environments in order to support collaborative e-learning services and scenarios. Main proposals are the integration of more media to offer more awareness, the support of more people with different roles, and the definition of an integrated system architecture

Exploiting Virtual Environments and Web2.0 Immersive Worlds to Support Collaborative e- Learning Communities

The main goal of this paper is to facilitate educational designers and developers by providing a point of reference for making decisions on how to incorporate 3D environments into the applications they develop as well as for extending their capabilities by integrating more functionality. Therefore, this paper presents the design principles for virtual spaces, which aim at supporting multi-user communication in web-based learning communities. In addition the implementation of these principles is presented using as point of reference EVE Training Area. This environment constitutes a three-dimensional space where participants, represented by 3D humanoid avatars, have the ability to use a variety of 3D e-collaboration tools for learning together. Furthermore, this paper presents how these principles could be used as criteria for validating and extending ready Web2.0 Immersive worlds for supporting collaborative e-learning. Finally collaborative e-learning usage scenarios that could be realized by exploiting collaborative virtual environments are described

Building Reusable and Interactive E-Learning Content Using Web

This paper presents the design of a web-based learning content authoring tool as well as the way learners can access courseware material, within the scope of a personalized, yet social, learning environment for vocational training. The authoring tool is intended to be part of the instructional component of the VirRAD European project, where the learning process is inspired by the principles of the Mindful Learning theory and supported by an intelligent learner modelling system. It will enable the creation of Radiopharmacy-related learning content that can be easily accessed and reused

Advances in X3D multi - user virtual environments

This paper presents the current state of the art in web3d multi-user technologies and more specifically networked virtual environment platforms that support the X3D standard, which are currently limited in number, and also the existing X3D browsers that enable these applications. Furthermore, this paper presents the architecture of a platform, called EVE, which was developed to support multi-user virtual environments and was initially based on VRML, as well as the implementation regarding the process of upgrading this platform in order to fully support the X3D standard, using the open-source Xj3D library. Finally, the benefits of shifting to the X3D standard are presented, and some of the problems that currently exist are discussed. 1

Partitioning of Distributed Virtual Environments Based on Objects’ Attributes

The partitioning constitutes one of the basic problems that need to be handled in Distributed Virtual Environments for maintaining consistency among users ’ view of the virtual scene and for optimizing the performance of the system. This paper presents an approach for handling the partitioning problem, which is based on objects ’ attributes. In particular, the approach proposes a technique, which takes into account the degree of interaction that the objects of the virtual environment carry for predicting future avatar behavior. This prediction of avatars’ behavior based on objects ’ attributes defines the initial partitioning of the virtual space. 1