The use of mythological content in virtual learning environment

Abstract

In our paper we discuss the implementation and the presentation features of our three-dimensional virtual library model based on the structure of the classification system of the ancient Library of Alexandria devised by the famous poet, Callimachus in the 3rd century BC. In the first version of the model we used English translations of biographies and selected literary works, but we have already started to upload Hungarian translations of some items in the database. Currently we are enhancing the content of the database with additional items of different verbal and/or multimedia text types. There are two specific aims which we would like to achieve using the 3DVLM. First, we would like to help our users be acknowledged with the literary works of the ancient Alexandrian times and, to understand and interpret the texts, acquire basic knowledge of the related mythological content. Second, in the course of reading, understanding and memorizing the various materials provided by the knowledge base of the 3DVLM, the users are inspired to gradually develop their linguistic (and also generic) knowledge, which, in our case, related to English language. In our paper we implemented a hierarchical model which has been elaborated specifically for describing different aspects of efficiency in multimedia language learning supporting systems. We focus on the effectiveness of this model and elaborate some intrinsic details of its data structure emphasizing the role of knowledge organization in the learning material. The most significant cognitive aspects of our 3DVLM are highlighted as well.