Distributed virtual reality learning environments

In this chapter we discuss the emerging technologies of collaborative virtual environments (CVEs), and outline their suitability for improving the pedagogical support provided by online learning environments. We provide a critique of current approaches to online learning (ranging from Webbased to video-conferencing), and argue that they are generally poor with regard to support for complex task-based interactions, as required by modern approaches to collaborative learning, as well as being weak in terms of supporting sociability and community, which are powerful mechanisms for combating isolation. We present and discuss our own prototype CVE learning environment, using this discussion as a mechanism for further exploring the issues involved in online learning and online community in general. We present and discuss our virtual campus architecture and our model for complex task-based synchronous and asynchronous interaction.