Auto-erecting agents for a collaborative learning environment

A collaborative learning environment based on 3D media with interchangeable real and virtual components is introduced. This environment is supported by a special knowledge space, which allows the accumulation of concrete haptic as well as abstract physical and logical knowledge. Firstly we present the concept of complex objects, having a real part and various virtual parts of different levels of abstraction, These complex objects allow a synchronous generation and manipulation of real systems and their virtual counterparts. The concept is then extended by a mechanism of auto-erection, enabling these objects to simulate their own potential environment. With this mechanism we are able to freely exchange real and virtual parts of a system in a distributed real learning space. This kind of learning environment is expected to support new forms of interaction, suitable for individual traditions, cultures, norms and conventions of learning styles and pre-knowledge.