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Visualisations implemented as virtual worlds can allow users to comprehend large graphs more effectively. Good 3D layout algorithms are an important element. Angle has been developed as a platform for experimenting with 3D force-directed layout algorithms. The big-bang modification is proposed as a means of obtaining efficiently good 3D layouts for a wide range of graphs. Results are presented ...

Virtual Worlds are an important tool in modern education practices as well as providing socialisation, entertainment and a laboratory for collaborative work. This paper focuses on the uses of virtual worlds for education and synthesises over 90 published academic papers, reports and educational websites from around the world. A taxonomy is then derived from these articles, delineating current t...

Visualisations implemented as virtual worlds can allow users to comprehend large graphs more effectively. Good 3D layout algorithms are an important element. Angle has been developed as a platform for experimenting with 3D force-directed layout algorithms. The big-bang modification is proposed as a means of obtaining efficiently good 3D layouts for a wide range of graphs. Results are presented ...

background: the i-space is a radiological imaging system in which computed tomography (ct)-scans can be evaluated as a three dimensional hologram. the aim of this study is to analyze the value of virtual reality (i-space) in diagnosing acute occult scaphoid fractures.   methods: a convenient cohort of 24 patients with a ct-scan from prior studies, without a scaphoid fracture on radiograph, yet ...

Virtual worlds are one of the most promising and interesting lines of research and development in e-learning. Also, the recent maturity of 3D virtual world platforms like Second Life or OpenSimulator has made it possible to deploy such systems at a low cost in schools, colleges or companies. Therefore, these virtual world platforms have enabled the development of cost-effective virtual laborato...

Despite several researchers reporting evidence that 3D Virtual Worlds can be used to effectively support educational processes in recent years, the integration of this technology in real learning processes is not as commonplace as in other educational technologies. Instructional designers have to balance the cost associated with the development of these virtual environments with the expected ou...

This paper explores the way in which GIS, Virtual Reality (VR) and the Internet are closely integrated through the link of Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) for spatial data visualization, analysis and exploration. Integration takes advantage of each component, and enables the dynamic 3D content to be built, visualized, interacted with and deployed all on the Web. To accomplish this, a ...

This study begins an interdisciplinary dialogue among game developers, researchers and educators to determine and realize the potential of using Avatars in a three-dimensional (3D) virtual world to support experiential learning, role-playing, and problem-based learning. This research further investigates the pedagogical and instructional implications for transitioning teachers and students thro...

Historically user interfaces evolved in a series of rapid paradigm shifts followed by periods of incremental development. Because widely adopted user interfaces are resistant to change, we can potentially have a greater impact on improving interfaces by working on the next, rather than the current, interaction paradigm. While there are several candidate paradigms, I chose to focus on 3D interac...