3DVL@ES: A 3D Web-Based Virtual Laboratory for Collaborative Learning in Experimental Science Practical Work

Abstract

This paper introduces a virtual laboratory that aims to support the quick development and easy assimilation of practical works by learners and exchange documents between them via a shared virtual space. The proposed laboratory, named 3DVL@ES (web-based 3D virtual laboratory in experimental science), defines an agile design process to automatically generate 3D pedagogical web applications and provide very appreciable interactivity, flexibility, and collaboration for practical works development. Also, 3DVL@ES includes the specification of learners' interactions and collaborations on a unified application model to assist and automate the creation of new 3D interfaces related to practical work in experimental sciences. 3DVL@ES has been applied in a real case study of Daniel's Battery. The obtained results have been compared with other virtual laboratories to show the usefulness of 3DVL@ES. Experimental results show that 3DVL@ES laboratory easily achieves complex practical works with the integration of cooperation and collaboration aspects.