Development and application of a distance learning system by using virtual reality technology

There is a great demand for distance learning in various fields, such as provision of learning opportunities and learning information to infirm children and pupils, introduction of diversified subjects by collaboration among schools, support of credit acquisition, and applications to continuing education. Various distance learning systems have been proposed and put into practice. But, in addition, various problems in the present distance learning systems have been pointed out, involving both installations and operations. This paper proposes the virtual school as a possible new form of distance learning, in which virtual reality technology is used. Based on a prototype virtual school that was developed, the feasibility of the virtual school is investigated. An experimental class using the prototype system is also reported. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 33(4): 61–68, 2002; Published online in Wiley Interscience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.1120