Hybrid Remote/Virtual Laboratories with Virtual Learning Environment Integration

In recent years there has been significant growth in the use of 3D virtual worlds for e-learning and distance education. These immersive environments offer the ability to create complex, highly interactive simulations using in-world modeling and scripting tools. Virtual learning environments’ support teaching and learning in an educational context, offering the functionality to manage the presentation, administration and assessment of coursework. This paper will discuss the practicalities of using immersive virtual worlds for teaching and training purposes in the context of a hybrid virtual/remote laboratory. It will describe the linking and integration of a virtual world with an existing virtual learning environment and show how this approach can be extended to add external hardware which can be controlled and accessed remotely. In addition it will show how user interactions with the virtual and real elements of the laboratory can be recorded back into the virtual learning environment for subsequent assessment by the tutor. A number of demonstrative examples will be introduced and discussed.