January 6th, 2009 by Robin Green
A new architectural language has been created to suit the increasing complexity of contemporary life. Architect Patrick Schumaster calls it a “new long wave of innovation”. He claims that because of 3D learning systems and software, architects are experiencing the same kind of energy that people had when they returned from the Crusades in the 12th and 13th centuries.
They traversed Eastern Europe and the Holy Land and back, having seen the most extraordinary architecture which previously had been completely unfamiliar to them. Their witnessing it–much like 3D learning systems today–opened their eyes to new architectural concepts. New heights and polychromatic forms were realized, as well as the sense that the arch could be elevated and aspire to new heights.
————-
Coggno.com is a leading provider of world-class LMS platforms.
January 6th, 2009 by Robin Green
Online learning systems and software have impacted architectural design to a revolutionary degree. As architects experiment, they are able to imagine greater potential in architecture which previously were considered impossible. Largely as a result of online learning systems, many architects believe we are on the cusp of an exciting new era of architectural creativity.
3D computer modeling programs originally designed for the animation industry are now being used for architectural learning systems and design. But these programs aren’t simply innovative–they also help avoid the production of unnecessary materials, allowing the design and creation of fewer architectural components.
—————
Coggno.com offers world-class LMS platforms.
December 5th, 2008 by Robin Green
While virtual worlds offer vast potential as a learning system and collaborative space for adults as well as children, they also have a long way to go before that ideal is a reality. Especially for children, virtual worlds continue to offer escapist, fantasy lands that too often miss the opportunity to serve as positive learning systems, and act more like advertising immersion programs.
At a Virtual Worlds Forum held in London in 2007, Oscar-winning filmmaker Lord Puttnam gave the opening keynote speech. He voiced fears that all children will learn from these virtual worlds is that they are first and foremost consumers. Puttnam urged creators to build virtual worlds that help to instill in children the values that societies need. “Are we absolutely sure that this is the very best we can offer young people?” he asked. The potential for virtual worlds to become positive learning systems is there, waiting to be tapped into.
December 5th, 2008 by Robin Green
Like gesturing, sketching is also lacking in 3D web learning systems. Sketching could involve actually drawing on a whiteboard or a piece of paper. But in today’s online learning system community, “sketching” often refers to doing calculations on a spreadsheet, editing a document, developing flow charts, or modeling products.
Simulation software like that of the Design Rationale Group at MIT helps users collaborate on the production of a sketch, as well as watch a collaborator’s additions play in real time, like watching a movie. For daily sketchers like engineers, who often use the tedious method of paper and pen sketching, the development of this kind of software is pivotal. In addition, 3D web programs like Second Life and other virtual worlds are making strides toward more comprehensive sketching capabilities.
December 5th, 2008 by Robin Green
Employee training across town, states, or countries has never been easier or more cost-effective. One way to efficiently organize training and team projects is to team up your LMS with Web 2.0 communication technologies. Web 2.0 and 3D virtual worlds technology can aid LMS-hosted training in a variety of ways.
Whether you’re operating in virtual worlds or other methods of online group collaboration, learners need to employ some basic tenets of successful communication.
Remy Malan, Vice President at Qwaq Enterprise, writes that the three important aspects of communication are speech, gesture, and sketch. The successful combination of these three capabilities allows learners to recreate online the natural ways we work in a group when we’re in the same physical space. Using these three modes, a team can build the trust that is necessary for virtual team collaboration or group learning on an LMS.
December 2nd, 2008 by Robin Green
As educators and businesses steer their students and employees toward 3D web collaboration, many users may wonder why phone calls, LMS chat boards, and VoIP conferencing aren’t enough. When handled well, what makes 3D tools better than an LMS for teamwork?
When paired with audio capabilities, the 3D world provides a spatial environment that enhances the sense of working as a team. For example, the placement of avatars in a virtual world and the ability to organize multiple, simultaneous conversations lends itself to group collaboration and a feeling of “togetherness.” In addition, the arrangement of objects within the world creates a natural context for group activity and conversation.
The fallbacks? 3D web is still in its infancy. While big companies and some universities begin to dabble in its collaborative and economic capabilities, for the rest of the world the LMS still has a gigantic one-up.
