This paper presents a case study of developing and implementing methods to capture, code and comprehend reciprocal social interactions in a three-dimensional virtual learning environment (3D VLE). The environment, iSocial, is being developed to help youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) develop social competencies. The approach to identifying, classifying and coding behavior in the 3D VLE ...

The success of a virtual learning environment (VLE) depends to a considerable extent on student acceptance and use of such an e-learning system. After critically assessing models of technology adoption, including the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), TAM2, and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Usage of Technology (UTAUT), we build a conceptual model to explain the differences between indivi...

iSocial is a 3D Virtual Learning Environment (3D VLE) to develop social competency for students who have been identified with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders. The motivation for developing a 3D VLE is to improve access to special needs curriculum for students who live in rural or small school districts. The paper first describes a number of innovative features developed to translate ...

Modeling and Simulation (M&S) is becoming the core of scientific activities addressing nature complexity. To tackle complexity, we need to integrate heterogeneous formalisms in the same model. Models then become multimodels. Furthermore, M&S softwares have to assist take into account the M&S activity cycle, i.e. modellers to design and to implement models, to define experimental frames and to a...

This paper investigates the engaging concept of virtual 3D jigsaw puzzles to foster the understanding of spatial relations within technical or biological systems by means of virtual models. Employing an application in anatomy education, it answers the question: How does guided spatial exploration, arising while composing a 3D jigsaw, affect the acquisition of spatial-functional understanding in...

This paper intends to introduce a game-based 3D Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to second graders. The impetus arose from the need to make learning in mathematics more effective and interesting through multimedia. Applied in a game, the basic mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are expected to performed by learners as they represent themselves ...

There is a trend in Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) towards flexible and adapted learning experiences that modify their contents and behavior to suit the needs of different learners. On the other hand, the use of educational videogames is also an emerging trend to address diverse aspects, such as student engagement and exploratory learning. Additionally, videogames support adaptation in a n...

The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) at the University of Hertfordshire (UH) not only supports institutional and national strategies in learning and teaching, but represents a significant investment in capital. Studies show that VLEs offer a variety of pedagogical benefits and usage of such systems can be effectively measured through the analysis of a system’s log files. However, although the...

Accurate modeling of thermodynamic properties for CO2 absorption in aqueous alkanolamine solutions is essential for the simulation and design of such CO2 capture processes. In this study, we use the Electrolyte Nonrandom Two-Liquid activity coefficient model to develop a rigorous and thermodynamically consistent representation for the MDEA-H2O-CO2 system. The vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE), hea...