3D Online Learning Environment

Created Realities Grouphttp://created-realities.com

CRG’s 3D online learning environment creates safe and controlled online computer-based 3D virtual environments supporting online learning, distance education, situated learning, and small group interactions.

CRG’s mission is to develop software that promotes distributed learning through the combination of visualization systems, virtual communities, telementoring, and multi-user 3D online learning environments. These emerging technologies support learning by distributing interaction and feedback across time and space via interactive forms of multimedia. Teaching and learning relationships are no longer confined by space, but are defined by connectivity. Created Realities Group, since 2002, has provided 3D virtual environments that integrate voice, collaborative tools, and presence that promote both formal and informal learning.

An immersive environment promotes interactions and engages both the instructor and student in a way that audio/video conferencing or delayed communications through e-mail and conferences have trouble attaining. By creating the reality and integrating the tools into a single design, the user can focus on one interface instead of having to interact with several. For the instructor this single environment provides similar cues as video conference technology while providing all the necessary tools for instruction.

The ability to control access to an environment allows for the creation of safe and secure spaces that can focus on the needs of the designed use (learning, discussion, meetings, etc).

Online Learning Environment

By creating the environment of interaction instead of replicating or transmitting it, CRG provides a rich set of instructional motifs, tours, interactions, and other media presentations with great efficiency. This efficiency allows the system to support a wide range of users with differing Internet connection speeds – from modem to broadband internet connections. The CRG environment can reach these less connected users.

Internet Efficient

Integrated ToolsUsers of distance learning technology todayface a vast array of interfaces to deal with. The CRG solution provides the necessary tools in one solution with one interface.

Audio • Multi-way full-duplex audio by defined area.

Chat • Area/zone chat and individual “tells” are supported.

Overhead Presentations • Instructors can upload powerpoint images and then display overheads to anyone in the same room.

Context • Users are placed into a context for communications that supports cognitive scaffolding.

CRG’s 3DOLE has been designed to collect data for later research. The system can be configured to save out information as required by the research project or researcher. Audit trails, use data, and conversations (text and audio) can be saved for later analysis. Real-time graphs and tables are available to site administrators.

Research Support

Interactive Narrative System • Supports a narrative driven story interface via Avatars that support tasks, item pickup, survey, quizzes, and assignments.

Future Tools/Interfaces • Session Recording and Playback • Self-Paced Content Viewing • Scheduling / Calendar • AI based Tutoring/Instruction • Gradebooks • Whiteboard • and more...

http://created-realities.com

Improving Literacy throughVirtual Worlds.

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Design+ResearchCollectiveDR+

This run-down mansion was once the ancient home of wealthy pioneers, now known to locals as Chalk House. The old house has a dark history waiting to be discovered. Students take on the role of a young reporter newly arrived at the Farewell Telegraph.

Based on research into problem-based learning and the use of other similar learning environments, when students solve the puzzles of the old house and file their reports with The Editor, their writing skills are expected to improve along with critical thinking and reading comprehension.

Chalk House is the first narrative-based learning module being developed for the CRG 3D online learning environment. Student progress is tracked and reported to the teacher throughout the 20 hours of online content with more hours spent on writing exercises. Chalk House can be used over differing periods of time depending on classroom needs.

Technological tools for aiding students with writing have become prevalent since the boom of computers in schools starting in the mid-1990s. Microsoft Word™ is used by many teachers for publication of final student writing products as well as for its spelling, grammar checking, and thesaurus features that act as learning affordances to target writing skills. Technology for writing has also shown improved attitudes toward completing writing tasks. Chalk House combines the advantages of hypertext, leverages student’s existing use of word processors, and the motivating power of 3D environments and pedagogical agents to provide students with a safe, engaging game space to practice writing and develop their reading skills.

• Windows 2000, XP• Mac OSX 10.3 or later• Java 1.5 or later

At least:• 512 MB RAM memory• 128 MB OpenGL v1.1 compliant video card (i.e. ATI Radeon or Nvidia GeForce 2 or greater)• Internet connection (26kbps of faster)• 50 MB hard drive space• Audio Card that supports Speakers