Virtual Worlds enable new ways of communication, collaboration, and cooperation over the Internet by applying 3D environments and voice over IP technologies. This papers aims at assessing user acceptance of Virtual Worlds by applying the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Based on literature review, an extended TAM has been constructed. Based on empirical data from an online-survey with 249 par...

This paper investigates the issues surrounding the use of 3D virtual worlds to enhance learner immersion through improved learner engagement. It is based on findings from the JISC-funded DEsign of Learning spaces in 3D Virtual Environments (DELVE) project at the University of Nottingham and the Open University. Given continued confusion about the term immersion, what it means for a learner to b...

a r t i c l e i n f o Advances in network infrastructure and computing technology have made 3D virtual environment increasingly popular and less costly. Many education institutions have shown interests in its application in teaching and learning activities. In this project, we evaluated how the 3D virtual environment can facilitate students in achieving learning outcomes. To provide students wi...

VRML (the Virtual Reality Modeling Language) has brought 3D objects and virtual worlds to a large number of Internet users. While it provides a suitable basis for the platform independent description of virtual worlds, an appropriate network architecture required to realize shared virtual worlds on the Internet is still an open issue. In this paper we will review some basic network archi-tectur...

Recently, virtual worlds have excited the interest of Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) researchers, as potential formal and informal meeting environments for virtual teams. We report an action research study of a locally distributed team of researchers using a dedicated environment within the virtual world Second Life to support their collaboration. We investigate, here, the benefits,...

3D virtual worlds are increasingly popular arenas for social interaction. There are new opportunities and possibilities for the style of communication but important aspects present in face-to-face meetings are absent in the artificial environment, including the visual cues of emotion that are provided by facial expressions, and a realistic representation of one’s geographical location. Our rese...

It is now possible to explore 3D worlds by using a classical WEB navigator as easily as it is to view 2D HTML pages. The capability to use 3D was previously restricted to powerful machines, it is no more the case. 3D provides a new interface to communicate. The Definition of realistic virtual humans in those worlds produces more intuitive interface for neophyte users. In this paper, we propose ...

Social media are known for substantial creativity support, as they allow users exploring, creating, and sharing various types of content. Social 3D virtual worlds, such as Second Life, can also be seen as a social media that have wide possibilities for being creative. In this paper, we explore how 3D virtual worlds can support creativity in educational settings, including creativity of the coll...

The radical utilization of collaborative learning processes in Three-Dimensional (3D) multi-user virtual worlds has been widely investigated. However, a study to delineate a comprehensive pedagogical model aimed at facilitating the same productive-argumentative knowledge practices is still lacking. This chapter presents the most reliable principles of contemporary socio-cognitive learning theor...

One of the prominent practices currently associated with 3D virtual worlds, such as Second Life, is their increased utilization as 3D virtual learning environments (3D VLEs). This study is part of a research in progress dedicated to evaluate different engineering design aspects of these emergent VLEs, and define the impact of their design features on delivering online education. The aim of this...