Collaborative work with large amount of graphical content in a 3D virtual world: Evaluation of learning tools in vAcademia

Abstract

In this paper, we suggest a method for collaborative work with large amount of graphical content in 3D virtual worlds. We argue that applying this method will benefit educational and other professional use of this technology. The most common problems with applying 3D virtual worlds in everyday teaching and learning are steep learning curve and demand for computational and networking resources. The suggested method allows reducing the load on CPU, and therefore, designing convenient and sophisticated tools for collaborative work with graphics inside a 3D environment. We present the methods of generating images, the design, and implementation of tools we developed for vAcademia virtual world based on this method. We discuss the educational value of the possibilities to work with large amount of graphical content in a 3D virtual world, which were limited before. We provide performance evaluation of the suggested method based on a series of tests which we applied to the whole system and specific algorithms. In addition, we present the initial result of user evaluation.

Visualization of Digital Transformation of Industrial Production into the Educational Process

“…In particular, in the virtual space it is possible to analyze compliance with restrictions on: mutual arrangement of machine tools; non-intersection of machine tool service areas and building structure elements; dimensions of passages; distance between pipelines; distance between pipelines and machines, etc. [19][20][21][22][23]. A panorama fragment inside the plant shop visualization during an online discussion on the equipment functioning is shown in Fig.…”

Virtual training and research laboratory of technological processes of chemical-technological systems

“…Virtual environment vAcademia is an educational three-dimensional virtual world, which in comparison with other virtual worlds has two main advantages [1][2][3][4]9]:  vAcademia is a specialized world for education, which means that it has everything that is necessary for the teacher and students in the classroom: interactive whiteboards, overhead projectors, pointers, Webcams, survey systems, models of educational objects, etc. ;  vAcademia has an ability to record classes.…”

“…In a broad sense, by a virtual laboratory we mean a laboratory (educational or scientific space) as an information resource created by means of modern computer technologies and representing digitized versions of objects of a certain thematic purpose in a virtual space [1 -7]. Today, there are many different virtual worlds, all of which have 6 features that are inherent in all such worlds [3]:  common space: many users can participate in the world's life at the same time;  graphical user interface: the space in the world is reflected virtually, and varies from 2D "cartoon" images to more impressive 3D images;  efficiency: communication takes place in real time;  interactivity: the world allows participants to change, develop, build or accept content tailored to them;  permanence: the world exists regardless of whether individual users are in the system;  communication / society: the world enables and promotes formation of social groups within the world, such as teams, guilds, clubs, cliques, neighborhoods, communities and so on. Currently, the concept of "a virtual scientific research laboratory" represents a software and hardware system that allows conducting experiments without direct contact with real equipment or in the absence of such.…”

Fusion of Smart, Multimedia and Computer Gaming Technologies

“…A number of collaborative tools have been developed for the VWB in vAcademia [56]. The tools can be classified into three groups by the method of generating the resultant image.…”