This short note describes an apparatus that has been designed and constructed to allow assessment of the extent of chemical decomposition of fluids and fluid mixtures under high temperature, high pressure conditions. The apparatus is used to screen fluid systems prior to PVT (pressure-volume-temperature) or VLE (vapor-liquid equilibrium) experiments under severe conditions. For a predetermined ...

This paper explores the provision of adaptive hints based on attainment levels in the context of supporting the development of young adults’ ICT information processing skills. We describe the design of the LIBE VLE, particularly its personalisation and adaptation features, and a User Study undertaken with young adults at a vocational education centre. Using data collected through the LIBE VLE, ...

The paper provides an overview of the elaboration, testing and improvement of Movelex, a complex virtual learning environment (VLE) supporting the establishment of self-regulated learning and shared knowledge building space in the classroom. The development and continuous improvement of the software has the aim to form communities of practice of teachers and students to co-operate with software...

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...