Building Virtual Reality Environments for Distance Education on the Web: A Case Study in Medical Education
The paper presents an investigation into the role of virtual reality and web technologies in the field of distance education. Within this frame, special emphasis is given on the building of web-based virtual learning environments so as to successfully fulfill their educational objectives. In particular, basic pedagogical methods are studied, focusing mainly on the efficient preparation, approach and presentation of learning content, and specific designing rules are presented considering the hypermedia, virtual and educational nature of this kind of applications. The paper also aims to highlight the educational benefits arising from the use of virtual reality technology in medicine and study the emerging area of web-based medical simulations. Finally, an innovative virtual reality environment for distance education in medicine is demonstrated. The proposed environment reproduces conditions of the real learning process and enhances learning through a real-time interactive simulator.
[1] C. Eslinger, "Education", The Encyclopedia of Virtual Environments
(Online), 1993. Available:
http://www.hitl.washington.edu/scivw/EVE/
[2] P.A. Federico, "Hypermedia environments and adaptive instructions",
Computer in Human Behavior, 1999, Vol. 15, pp. 653-692.
[3] A. Manitsaris, T. Kargidis and K. Barbatsis, "Design and development of
a dynamic hypermedia educational system", Journal of Information
Technology Impact, 2001, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 105-116.
[4] National Institute of Standards and Technology, Virtual Environments
for Health Care, 1995.
[5] K. Brodlie, N. El-Khalili, and Y. Li, "Using Web-based computer
graphics to teach surgery", Graphics and Visualization Education
Workshop, 1999, pp.141-146.
[6] M. Grigoriadou and K.A. Papanikolaou, "Learning environments on the
Web: The pedagogical role of the educational material", Themes in
Education, 2000, vol.1, no.2, pp. 145-161.
[7] F. Modritscher, "eLearning theories in practice: A comparison of three
methods", Journal of Universal Science and Technology of Learning,
2006, pp.3-18.
[8] M.J. Atkins, "Theories of learning and multimedia applications: An
overview", Research Papers in Education, 1993, vol. 8, no. 2, pp.251-
271.
[9] C. Tuckey, " Uses of new technology in higher education - Guiding
principles", ICBL Reports, 1992, Institute for Computer Based Learning,
Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.
[10] O. Conlan, "The multi-model, metadata driven approach to personalized
eLearning services", Phd Thesis, Department of Computer Science,
University of Dublin.
[11] Learning Environments, (Online), Available:
http://www.geocities.com/learningenvironments/learningenvironments.h
tml
[12] D.W. Cheek, "Thinking constructively about science", Technology and
Society Education, 1992, State University of New York Press.
[13] T. Newby, "Instructional technology for teaching and learning: designing
instruction, integrating computers and using media", Prentice-Hall
International, 1996.
[14] A.A. Gokhale, "Collaborative learning enhances critical thinking",
Journal of Technology Education, 1995, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 22-30.
[15] J. Nielsen, Usability Engineering, 1993, San Diego, Academic Press.
[16] N. Avouris, Introduction in the Human-Computer Communication,
Diavlos, Athens, 2000.
[17] P. Dillenbourg, "Virtual Learning Environment". In Proceedings of EUN
Conference 2000: Learning in the New Millenium: Building New
Education Strategies for Schools, Workshop on Virtual Learning
Environments, 2000.
[18] J.P.M. Masso and P.G. Lopez, "Model-based design and new user
interfaces: current practices and opportunities", Proceedings of the First
International Workshop on the Design Specification and Verification of
Interactive Systems, 2003, pp. 245-257.
[19] K. Kaur, "Designing virtual environments for usability", Phd Thesis,
1998, Centre for HCI Design, City University, London.
[20] K. Barbatsis, "Development of a distance learning system using
multimedia and virtual reality technologies", PhD Thesis, 2002
University of Macedonia.
[21] Computer Technology Institute, "Development of a multimedia learning
software for the secondary education" EPEAK, Action 1.1.b, Odyssey,
Patra, 1998.
[22] A. Liu, F. Tendick, K. Cleary and C. Kaufmann, "A survey of surgical
simulation: applications, technology and education", Presence, 2003,
vol. 12, no 6.
[23] M. Ursino, P.D.J.L. Tasti, B.H. Nguyen, R. Cunningham and G.L.
Merril, "CathSimTM: An intravascular catheterization simulator on a
PC", Medicine Meets Virtual Reality. Convergence of Physical and
Informational Technologies: Options for a New Era in Healthcare, 1999,
pp. 360-366.
[24] G. Szekely, C. Brechbuhler, J. Dual, R. Enzler, J. Hug, R. Hutter, N.
Ironmonger, M. Kauer, V. Meier, P. Niederer, A. Rhomberg, P. Schmid,
G. Schweitzer, M. Thaler, V. Vuskovic, G. Troster, U. Haller and M.
Bajka, "Virtual Reality-Based Simulation of Endoscopic Surgery",
Presence, 2000, vol. 9, no 3, pp. 310-333.
[25] R. V. O-Toole, R. R. Polayter and T. M. Krummel, "Measuring and
developing suturing technique with a virtual reality surgical simulator", J
Am Coll Surg, 1999, vol. 189, pp. 114-127.
[26] P.M.F. Nielsen, I.J. Le Grice, B.H. Smaill and P.J. Hunter,
"Mathematical model of geometry and fibrous structure of the heart",
Am. J. Physiol, 1991, pp. H1365-H1378.
[27] El-Khalili, N., Brodlie, K., Kessel, D. "WebSTer: A Web-based surgical
training system", Medicine Meets Virtual Reality, 2000, pp.69-75
[1] C. Eslinger, "Education", The Encyclopedia of Virtual Environments
(Online), 1993. Available:
http://www.hitl.washington.edu/scivw/EVE/
[2] P.A. Federico, "Hypermedia environments and adaptive instructions",
Computer in Human Behavior, 1999, Vol. 15, pp. 653-692.
[3] A. Manitsaris, T. Kargidis and K. Barbatsis, "Design and development of
a dynamic hypermedia educational system", Journal of Information
Technology Impact, 2001, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 105-116.
[4] National Institute of Standards and Technology, Virtual Environments
for Health Care, 1995.
[5] K. Brodlie, N. El-Khalili, and Y. Li, "Using Web-based computer
graphics to teach surgery", Graphics and Visualization Education
Workshop, 1999, pp.141-146.
[6] M. Grigoriadou and K.A. Papanikolaou, "Learning environments on the
Web: The pedagogical role of the educational material", Themes in
Education, 2000, vol.1, no.2, pp. 145-161.
[7] F. Modritscher, "eLearning theories in practice: A comparison of three
methods", Journal of Universal Science and Technology of Learning,
2006, pp.3-18.
[8] M.J. Atkins, "Theories of learning and multimedia applications: An
overview", Research Papers in Education, 1993, vol. 8, no. 2, pp.251-
271.
[9] C. Tuckey, " Uses of new technology in higher education - Guiding
principles", ICBL Reports, 1992, Institute for Computer Based Learning,
Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.
[10] O. Conlan, "The multi-model, metadata driven approach to personalized
eLearning services", Phd Thesis, Department of Computer Science,
University of Dublin.
[11] Learning Environments, (Online), Available:
http://www.geocities.com/learningenvironments/learningenvironments.h
tml
[12] D.W. Cheek, "Thinking constructively about science", Technology and
Society Education, 1992, State University of New York Press.
[13] T. Newby, "Instructional technology for teaching and learning: designing
instruction, integrating computers and using media", Prentice-Hall
International, 1996.
[14] A.A. Gokhale, "Collaborative learning enhances critical thinking",
Journal of Technology Education, 1995, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 22-30.
[15] J. Nielsen, Usability Engineering, 1993, San Diego, Academic Press.
[16] N. Avouris, Introduction in the Human-Computer Communication,
Diavlos, Athens, 2000.
[17] P. Dillenbourg, "Virtual Learning Environment". In Proceedings of EUN
Conference 2000: Learning in the New Millenium: Building New
Education Strategies for Schools, Workshop on Virtual Learning
Environments, 2000.
[18] J.P.M. Masso and P.G. Lopez, "Model-based design and new user
interfaces: current practices and opportunities", Proceedings of the First
International Workshop on the Design Specification and Verification of
Interactive Systems, 2003, pp. 245-257.
[19] K. Kaur, "Designing virtual environments for usability", Phd Thesis,
1998, Centre for HCI Design, City University, London.
[20] K. Barbatsis, "Development of a distance learning system using
multimedia and virtual reality technologies", PhD Thesis, 2002
University of Macedonia.
[21] Computer Technology Institute, "Development of a multimedia learning
software for the secondary education" EPEAK, Action 1.1.b, Odyssey,
Patra, 1998.
[22] A. Liu, F. Tendick, K. Cleary and C. Kaufmann, "A survey of surgical
simulation: applications, technology and education", Presence, 2003,
vol. 12, no 6.
[23] M. Ursino, P.D.J.L. Tasti, B.H. Nguyen, R. Cunningham and G.L.
Merril, "CathSimTM: An intravascular catheterization simulator on a
PC", Medicine Meets Virtual Reality. Convergence of Physical and
Informational Technologies: Options for a New Era in Healthcare, 1999,
pp. 360-366.
[24] G. Szekely, C. Brechbuhler, J. Dual, R. Enzler, J. Hug, R. Hutter, N.
Ironmonger, M. Kauer, V. Meier, P. Niederer, A. Rhomberg, P. Schmid,
G. Schweitzer, M. Thaler, V. Vuskovic, G. Troster, U. Haller and M.
Bajka, "Virtual Reality-Based Simulation of Endoscopic Surgery",
Presence, 2000, vol. 9, no 3, pp. 310-333.
[25] R. V. O-Toole, R. R. Polayter and T. M. Krummel, "Measuring and
developing suturing technique with a virtual reality surgical simulator", J
Am Coll Surg, 1999, vol. 189, pp. 114-127.
[26] P.M.F. Nielsen, I.J. Le Grice, B.H. Smaill and P.J. Hunter,
"Mathematical model of geometry and fibrous structure of the heart",
Am. J. Physiol, 1991, pp. H1365-H1378.
[27] El-Khalili, N., Brodlie, K., Kessel, D. "WebSTer: A Web-based surgical
training system", Medicine Meets Virtual Reality, 2000, pp.69-75
@article{"International Journal of Business, Human and Social Sciences:52889", author = "Kosmas Dimitropoulos and Athanasios Manitsaris and Ioannis Mavridis", title = "Building Virtual Reality Environments for Distance Education on the Web: A Case Study in Medical Education", abstract = "The paper presents an investigation into the role of virtual reality and web technologies in the field of distance education. Within this frame, special emphasis is given on the building of web-based virtual learning environments so as to successfully fulfill their educational objectives. In particular, basic pedagogical methods are studied, focusing mainly on the efficient preparation, approach and presentation of learning content, and specific designing rules are presented considering the hypermedia, virtual and educational nature of this kind of applications. The paper also aims to highlight the educational benefits arising from the use of virtual reality technology in medicine and study the emerging area of web-based medical simulations. Finally, an innovative virtual reality environment for distance education in medicine is demonstrated. The proposed environment reproduces conditions of the real learning process and enhances learning through a real-time interactive simulator.
", keywords = "Distance education, medicine, virtual reality, web.", volume = "1", number = "11", pages = "611-9", }
