Supporting user extensibility in a networked virtual reality environment

C-VISions is a networked multi-user 3D virtual environment that allows users to interact with each other and learn experientially and collaboratively in simulation and articulation-oriented virtual worlds. The capabilities of virtual worlds can be more fully exploited if the freedom to create new worlds is given to the users. This paper describes the development of a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to do this. In the context of our research, the intended users are mainly secondary school students currently in the process of acquiring new scientific knowledge. In a virtual world scenario where the virtual environment mimics the real world environment in terms of physics phenomena, users are given a free hand in constructing science experiments in whatever ways they wish. Such a learning environment allows users to freely construct and test their personal scientific hypotheses. By relying on graphical tools that aid the visualization of experiment results, the learning process is further facilitated and the learning environment can help students overcome misconceptions and enhance deep understanding of scientific principles.