Title: Learning with virtual reality

Authors: Samuli Pekkola, Mikko Jakala, Kirsi Heiskanen

Addresses: Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of Jyvaskyla, PO Box 35, 40351 Jyvaskyla, Finland. Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of Jyvaskyla, PO Box 35, 40351 Jyvaskyla, Finland. Multimedia Development, Kuopio Vocational Adult Education Centre, Vuorelankatu 5-7, 70300 Kuopio, Finland

Abstract: Different words accompanied by the concept ||virtual|| are often seen in different educational contexts. However, virtual reality, and in particular virtual reality applications, can be understood in various ways, each meaning different things to different people. In this paper, virtual reality is approached from the point of origin by discussing what virtual reality really is. Different virtual reality classifications are used to emphasis the multifaceted nature of this platform. Also some educational possibilities are discussed in this paper. At the end, the classification of graphical and collaborative virtual environments and text-based systems are presented to demonstrate those educational possibilities that existing virtual reality applications possess.

Keywords: virtual reality; learning; communication; groupwork.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2000.000346

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2000 Vol.10 No.1/2/3/4, pp.9-20

Published online: 16 Jul 2003 *

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