A Virtual Environment for Collaborative Distance Learning

In this work, we design and implement a 3D collaborative virtual environment (CVE) for distance learning (DL). After surveying current technologies and implementations supported by modern pedagogies, we noticed that current applications, particularly present web-based technologies or 2D-based technologies, do not adequately support our functional requirements of interaction, communication, and virtual community. We thus propose a new design for 3D CVEs, which are computer-enabled, virtual spaces where students can meet and interact with others, agents, virtual objects, and virtual environments to improve DLs. Our proposed system design is outlined by the current services used in online virtual communities. Its framework is designed with the major tools, including agents, virtual objects, and virtual environments to support 3D CVEs for DLs. The evaluation of the designed platform and its implementation will be performed in trials. We plan to evaluate the prototype of our designed platform under the Malaysia Project and Hybrid Twining Program.