Vol 2 No 1 (2008) Research Development In Open and Distance learning

Phan The Hung

Pham Minh Viet

Nguyen Thanh Nghi

Abstract

In this paper,  we introduce concepts and analyse methods which create applications used for innovative education based on Virtual Reality (VR) technology. VR, a technology to create an imaginary world by using 3D graphics and computer simulation has been used in many fields and recently education has been recognised as one of remarkable VR application areas. The use of VR systems increase the efficiency of educational processes particularly in being aware, understanding,  learning and turning information to knowledge. We examine different approaches that create interactive materials for teaching: VRML a programming language for web-based education and Virtual Studio - a media tool to create a learning studio and environment that engages students in an active and interactive way. We also analyse an approach called Edutainment which combines traditional education method and entertainment industries, bringing progressive trends from the domain of narrative environments for the  human-computer interface and underpinning these results with technologies from digital, interactive  storytelling, mixed reality and multimodal interfaces and finally.  present  the fundamental  three-dimensional (3D) game approach in this Edutainment section.