Exploring the Use of 3D Collaborative Interfaces for E-Learning

Today, Learning Management Systems are the most popular technique for delivering learning material to students electronically. Despite the success and popularity of such systems, there is evidence which highlights that courses which rely solely on Learning Management Systems, have a significantly higher dropout rate than that experienced by courses operating in a classroom environment. Factors such as an absence of interaction with tutors and other students, combined with a lack of stimulation caused by unappealing user interfaces can contribute to the high attrition rates. This chapter examines these issues and explores possible solutions. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of Three Dimensional onscreen Graphical User Interfaces to stimulate users which can be combined with multi-user and synchronous communication techniques to facilitate meaningful interaction. Research indicates that there is also a need to include the social aspects of classroom-based teaching within e-learning environments, an issue which has not been fully explored in the literature. This chapter describes our own system, called Collaborative Learning Environments with Virtual Reality, the design of which includes tools for social interaction between students. To date no major evaluation of Three Dimensional interfaces for e-learning has been conducted. This chapter describes the approach and positive results of an evaluation conducted to determine the usability of CLEV-R.