flavio fontana, marina moscarini, david d’arcangelo [email protected],...

Flavio Fontana, Marina Moscarini, David D’Arcangelo Flavio Fontana, Marina Moscarini, David D’Arcangelo [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]@yahoo.it

Usability – Media Lab ENEA, University of Rome, ItalyUsability – Media Lab ENEA, University of Rome, Italy

Virtual World 3D PlatformVirtual World 3D Platform

An Advanced e-Learning An Advanced e-Learning

System to Manage System to Manage

Virtual Courses and Multimedia Virtual Courses and Multimedia

in Virtual Worldsin Virtual Worlds

VW-3DVW-3D is a platform to provide e-learning services is a platform to provide e-learning serviceslike web based information and communication for like web based information and communication for cooperative works in complete virtual worlds.cooperative works in complete virtual worlds.

GoalsGoals: : to experiment VW3D platform and its virtual scenario;to experiment VW3D platform and its virtual scenario;to study both the socio-cognitive visual interface and to study both the socio-cognitive visual interface and the corrispondence with real scenario.the corrispondence with real scenario.

During the design phase, before the VW-3D platform implemetation, studies During the design phase, before the VW-3D platform implemetation, studies (Technology, Functionality, Standards and Infrastructure) (Technology, Functionality, Standards and Infrastructure) have been done.have been done.

VIRTUAL WORLD 3D - RESEARCH ACTIVITYVIRTUAL WORLD 3D - RESEARCH ACTIVITY

MATRIXMATRIX - - e-Learning Application Scenarioe-Learning Application Scenario

VW 3D

MATRIX

MATRIX General Architecture (MATRIX General Architecture ( IV Generation IV Generation))

MATRIX and Virtual World 3D MATRIX and Virtual World 3D IntegrationIntegration

DB ManagerVirtual World 3D

WorkAreaMonitor

VCM & Video Content Management SystemLMS & Learning Content Management System

CoursesAmministrationCommunicator

SelectaDocument Management System

Regicomm (User registration and profiling)Active Web Matrix

Portal

Multimedia Databases

MATRIX - ModulesMATRIX - Modules

DB Manager

Virtual World 3D

WorkArea

Monitor

VMS & Video Content Management System

LMS & Learning Content Management System

Courses

Administration

Communicator

Selecta

Document Management System

Regicomm

Active Web Matrix

“Active Web Matrix” (AWM), it manages all pages of the Portal and the web interface

“Regicomm” module manages the user registration and profiling of MATRIX Platfom

DB Manager

Virtual World 3D

WorkArea

Monitor



Courses

Administration

Communicator

Selecta


Regicomm

Active Web Matrix


The module “Document Management System” manages the documentation in a structured environment

DB Manager

Virtual World 3D

WorkArea

Monitor



Courses

Administration

Communicator

Selecta


Regicomm

Active Web Matrix


“Selecta” module provides the staff to create user groups and document collections to disseminate information and newsletters towards the community.

DB Manager

Virtual World 3D

WorkArea

Monitor



Courses

Administration

Communicator

Selecta


Regicomm

Active Web Matrix


“Communicator” manages the messages between the users.

DB Manager

Virtual World 3D

WorkArea

Monitor



Courses

Administration

Communicator

Selecta


Regicomm

Active Web Matrix


The “Administration” module manages:

• the access of the users to the courses;• the Didactical Calendar.

DB Manager

Virtual World 3D

WorkArea

Monitor



Courses

Administration

Communicator

Selecta


Regicomm

Active Web Matrix


The “Course” manages the course catalogue and the course contents by means of an authoring tool and an AVI. The interface permits user personalisation of the course contents.

DB Manager

Virtual World 3D

WorkArea

Monitor



Courses

Administration

Communicator

Selecta


Regicomm

Active Web Matrix


LMS “SI.A.” Authoring Tools manages the course content in real time.

DB Manager

Virtual World 3D

WorkArea

Monitor



Courses

Administration

Communicator

Selecta


Regicomm

Active Web Matrix


DB Manager

Virtual World 3D

WorkArea

Monitor



Courses

Administration

Communicator

Selecta


Regicomm

Active Web Matrix

VCS NetLesson & NetSeminar are the VCMS modules to manage lessons and seminars.


“Monitor” manages the user tracking and the statistics.

DB Manager

Virtual World 3D

WorkArea

Monitor



Courses

Administration

Communicator

Selecta


Regicomm

Active Web Matrix


“WorkArea” offers to teh use a personal web space to work.

DB Manager

Virtual World 3D

WorkArea

Monitor



Courses

Administration

Communicator

Selecta


Regicomm

Active Web Matrix


“Virtual World 3D” is an experimental module to manage the 3D visual interfacing.

DB Manager

Virtual World 3D

WorkArea

Monitor



Courses

Administration

Communicator

Selecta


Regicomm

Active Web Matrix


Database Manager visualises a total view of the etherogeneous and distrbuted databases.

DB Manager

Virtual World 3D

WorkArea

Monitor



Courses

Administration

Communicator

Selecta


Regicomm

Active Web Matrix


Matrix 3 - MODULESMatrix 3 - MODULES

COURSE STRUCTURECOURSE STRUCTURETHEMATICSTHEMATICS

COURSE 1COURSE 1

MODULE 1MODULE 1

LESSON 1LESSON 1

UNIT 1UNIT 1

UNIT nUNIT n

LESSON nLESSON n

MODULE nMODULE n

COURSE nCOURSE n

MDSMDS

The aimThe aim of the VW-3D of the VW-3D Project is to reach a Project is to reach a conceptual validation of conceptual validation of methodologies, platforms methodologies, platforms and technologies and technologies supporting the integration, supporting the integration, validation and validation and programming, over a programming, over a distributed environment, to distributed environment, to create correct and coerent create correct and coerent 3D spaces and objects 3D spaces and objects where users can learn the where users can learn the contents of heterogeneous contents of heterogeneous and distributed virtual and distributed virtual coursescourses (VC) (VC)..

VW-3DVW-3D The e-Learning Application ScenarioThe e-Learning Application Scenario

User classes

a)a) Generic userGeneric user (randomly access to the system); (randomly access to the system);

b)b) Professional userProfessional user (frequently access to course, (frequently access to course, information and services. Generally information and services. Generally students/teachers and tutors);students/teachers and tutors);

VIRTUAL WORLD 3D - USER IDENTIFICATION & VIRTUAL WORLD 3D - USER IDENTIFICATION & CLASSIFICATIONCLASSIFICATION

• Frequency of useFrequency of use• Computer familiarityComputer familiarity• Computer software expertiseComputer software expertise• User mental abilitiesUser mental abilities• User physical abilities and skillUser physical abilities and skill

VIRTUAL WORLD 3D - USER CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA

User requirementsUser requirements

a)a) General requirementsGeneral requirements (access to the system (access to the system through the Web, use of the Net to study, easy to through the Web, use of the Net to study, easy to use, efficency, effectiveness , robustness, use, efficency, effectiveness , robustness, modularity, portability, etc.);modularity, portability, etc.);

b)b) Functional requirementsFunctional requirements (use of mouse, access to (use of mouse, access to enquiry functions, real-time and asinchronous enquiry functions, real-time and asinchronous communications, etc.);communications, etc.);

c)c) Technical requirementsTechnical requirements (active environment, (active environment, networks, multi-language, integration with networks, multi-language, integration with distributed multimedia database).distributed multimedia database).

VIRTUAL WORLD 3D - USER REQUIREMENTS VIRTUAL WORLD 3D - USER REQUIREMENTS

Virtual Component & SIMVirtual Component & SIM

VIRTUAL WOLRLD 3D - RESEARCH ACTIVITYVIRTUAL WOLRLD 3D - RESEARCH ACTIVITY

3D Objects3D Objects

3D Worlds3D Worlds

MultimediaMultimedia

AVIAVI

DBMSDBMS

Web Site & Java AppletWeb Site & Java Applet

VW-3D PlatformVW-3D PlatformVW-3DVW-3D Platform PlatformStructureStructure

VIRTUAL WORLD 3D - WEB SITEVIRTUAL WORLD 3D - WEB SITE

a)a) The Project;The Project;

b)b) The VW-3D Applet;The VW-3D Applet;

c)c) Download;Download;

d)d) General Informations;General Informations;

e)e) Links;Links;

The Classrooms;The Classrooms;

The Hall;The Hall;

The Meeting-Points;The Meeting-Points;

The Library;The Library;

The Rooms;The Rooms;

VIRTUAL WORLD 3DVIRTUAL WORLD 3D

The VW 3D Methodologies has defined the virtual space (External / The VW 3D Methodologies has defined the virtual space (External / Internal), the objects, the multimedia and users. The main internal Internal), the objects, the multimedia and users. The main internal space (ROOMS) are:space (ROOMS) are:

VIRTUAL WORLD 3D – THE MODULESVIRTUAL WORLD 3D – THE MODULES

The VW-3D is implemented The VW-3D is implemented on more than one simple on more than one simple layer. The system is based layer. The system is based on a high level 3D on a high level 3D representation engine, a representation engine, a Client-Server structure for Client-Server structure for the communication of the communication of distributed messages and a distributed messages and a low level layer than starts a low level layer than starts a precise procedure to precise procedure to retrieve information from retrieve information from the database after that an the database after that an interactive 3D object has interactive 3D object has been selected. been selected.

VIRTUAL WORLD 3D – THE OBJECTSVIRTUAL WORLD 3D – THE OBJECTSThe Virtual World 3D has defined the objects and their functionality in the The Virtual World 3D has defined the objects and their functionality in the 3D scene to stimulate the end-user interaction with this environment.3D scene to stimulate the end-user interaction with this environment.

The objects are simple metaphores to retrieve contents and documents The objects are simple metaphores to retrieve contents and documents from the databases. Each room and 3D space has standard objects from the databases. Each room and 3D space has standard objects configuration that characterize the scene.configuration that characterize the scene.

The objects implemented in the Virtual world 3D are:The objects implemented in the Virtual world 3D are:

• Wide Screen for video and slides;Wide Screen for video and slides;

• Whiteboards;Whiteboards;

• Calendars;Calendars;

• Books;Books;

• Personal Computers;Personal Computers;

• Other.Other.

VIRTUAL WORLD 3D – THE BOOKSVIRTUAL WORLD 3D – THE BOOKS

The books are the most common The books are the most common objects in the Virtual World 3D objects in the Virtual World 3D scenes. They are available in the scenes. They are available in the classrooms, in the hall and in the classrooms, in the hall and in the private rooms (docent and private rooms (docent and student). This object retrieves student). This object retrieves documents available for the user documents available for the user in the contextual space wherein the contextual space wherehe is interacting. he is interacting.

FADVIGEN FADVIGEN DATABASEDATABASE

The object “book” makes a The object “book” makes a query to the FADIVGEN with query to the FADIVGEN with the informations of the room the informations of the room where it is placed and of the where it is placed and of the user that is interacting with it.user that is interacting with it.

Vw-3d/Matrix Vw-3d/Matrix layerlayer

VIRTUAL WORLD 3D – THE BOOKSVIRTUAL WORLD 3D – THE BOOKSThe book represents also the documents that the end-user saves inside The book represents also the documents that the end-user saves inside his own repository. The end-user, in the 3D scene, is capable to compose his own repository. The end-user, in the 3D scene, is capable to compose a new document with the Si.A. tool or save paper passed by another a new document with the Si.A. tool or save paper passed by another user. By this, the end-user will have a new BOOK represented in his user. By this, the end-user will have a new BOOK represented in his library or on his desk. library or on his desk.

Si.A. Authoring toolSi.A. Authoring tool

VIRTUAL WORLD 3D – THE WIDESCREENSVIRTUAL WORLD 3D – THE WIDESCREENS

In the classrooms, in the private rooms and in the meeting-point are In the classrooms, in the private rooms and in the meeting-point are available widescreens where the end-user can visualize didactic contents available widescreens where the end-user can visualize didactic contents like video and slides. The widescreens visualize the content retreived by like video and slides. The widescreens visualize the content retreived by the end-user querying the calendar outside a classroom or clicking the the end-user querying the calendar outside a classroom or clicking the query panelquery panel..

FADVIGEN FADVIGEN DATABASEDATABASE

Vw-3D/Matrix Vw-3D/Matrix layerlayer

The WhiteBoard module is a experimental prototype of shared blackboard that allows to design and to write images. Already experimented in MES project, the WhiteBoard has been integrated in the 3D scene. The WhiteBoard shares the drawings of users that are present in the same room, like the classrooms.

VIRTUAL WORLD 3D – THE WHITEBOARDSVIRTUAL WORLD 3D – THE WHITEBOARDS

VIRTUAL WORLD 3D – THE CALENDARVIRTUAL WORLD 3D – THE CALENDAR

The calendar is another interactive 3D The calendar is another interactive 3D object inserted in the 3D scenes of object inserted in the 3D scenes of Virtual World 3D. The calendarVirtual World 3D. The calendarin the scene informs the end-users in the scene informs the end-users which and when a lesson will be which and when a lesson will be available or take place in the real available or take place in the real world. world.

The important operation of the object The important operation of the object is that each calendar gives a unique is that each calendar gives a unique info about the lesson. The calendar info about the lesson. The calendar gives to the user only the info of the gives to the user only the info of the lessons available at the classroom or lessons available at the classroom or meeting-point that it is associated.meeting-point that it is associated.

VIRTUAL WORLD 3D VIRTUAL WORLD 3D

THE HALL AND THE MEETING-POINTTHE HALL AND THE MEETING-POINT

The Virtual World 3D spaces dedicated to meet other users and to reach The Virtual World 3D spaces dedicated to meet other users and to reach general multimedia contents are the hall and the meeting-point. Infact in general multimedia contents are the hall and the meeting-point. Infact in the hall we have info-point and many wide-screens where the user can the hall we have info-point and many wide-screens where the user can connect to internet or listen to general information. connect to internet or listen to general information.

The meeting-point is a The meeting-point is a dedicated space of dedicated space of the hall where the the hall where the user can stop and user can stop and interact with other interact with other user or make user or make researches on researches on multimedia contents multimedia contents and documentsand documents

VIRTUAL WORLD 3D VIRTUAL WORLD 3D

THE STUDENT AND TEACHER ROOMTHE STUDENT AND TEACHER ROOMThe Virtual World 3D teacher and student rooms are private spaces for The Virtual World 3D teacher and student rooms are private spaces for the end users as students and teachers. Here the users can display the the end users as students and teachers. Here the users can display the lessons available in MATRIX platform, save and create their own lessons available in MATRIX platform, save and create their own documents.documents.

The objects The objects implemented in all implemented in all the 3D scene are the 3D scene are inserted also in these inserted also in these spaces but each spaces but each output is output is differentiated by the differentiated by the context of the space context of the space where the user where the user interact with theminteract with them

VIRTUAL WORLD 3D – THE CLASSROOMVIRTUAL WORLD 3D – THE CLASSROOMThe Virtual World 3D classrooms are the spaces dedicated for the online The Virtual World 3D classrooms are the spaces dedicated for the online lessons. Here the users can follow and interact with the lesson in real-lessons. Here the users can follow and interact with the lesson in real-time, and be present in the classroom with their avatars. To complete the time, and be present in the classroom with their avatars. To complete the lesson experience the user have many functionalities available: lesson experience the user have many functionalities available: documents repository, video screens , whiteboards.documents repository, video screens , whiteboards.

VirtualVirtualWorld 3DWorld 3D

InternalInternalSpace:Space:AvatarAvatarreal real presencepresence

SocioSocioCognitiveCognitiveI. AgentI. Agent

CORECORE

VIRTUAL WORLD 3D – THE COREVIRTUAL WORLD 3D – THE CORE

MATRIX VW-3D MATRIX VW-3D MODULEMODULE

VW-3D VW-3D SERVERSERVER

FADIVGEN FADIVGEN DATABASEDATABASE

VW-3D VW-3D CLIENTCLIENT




Usability Lab Multimedia Productions

• Interviews• Videos• Trailers (L)

Ulab ServerPinnacle Card

Multimedia RealServerOsprey CardWeb Seminar

Server MATRIXExperimental Platform

ODLFAD Web Site, CoursesFOTOVinst

Matrix 3 - Matrix 3 - Global Multimedia Specifications

Parameters (End User Oriented)

Video Windows Size

240X192

160X120

320X240

• Video Windows SizeVideo Windows Size

• Connection rate 56kpsConnection rate 56kps

• File size KBFile size KB

• AudioAudio

• CompressionCompression

• Video file FormatVideo file Format

• Video ResolutionVideo Resolution

240X192 pixels


PC1 PC2 PCn

Users

Internet

Remote access56Kps

Web-cam

Real server

Real producer

Real player

DigitalTLC

56Kps56Kps

Ulab PC Laptop

U1 U2 Un

150 - 450 Kps

Sinchronous/Asinchronous Streaming


Internet network

Multimedia Class Room

Ulab Server MM Repository

Real Server

End User (Home, Office, etc.)Expert

Remote access via modem 56 kps


Sinchronous/Asinchronous Classrom Systems

Internet network

Multimedia Class Room

150-450 kps 150-450 kps

NetLesson NetLesson InternationalInternational

Virtual ClassroomVirtual Classroom

Main architecture

ClientData Server

DB Access

file e dir.

Intranet ENEA

fire

wal

l

Internet

Media Server

ClientClient

Client

Matrix 3 – Hardware settings for the multimedia streaming

Virtual World 3D Client - Server

VW-3D Servers

DB Access

file e dir.

Manager (Staff)

Module

Docent/SpeackerModuleViewer

ModuleStudent

Virtual World 3D Server - Server

VW-3D Main Server

DB Access

file e dir.

DB Access

VW-3D 3D spaces Server

file e dir.

VW-3D DB Server

DB Access

file e dir.

VW-3D User Server

DB Access

file e dir.

To implement a distributed platform based on server cluster technology that ensures both a more reliability of the functional modules and a fast service;

To design advanced collaborative instruments (designer tools, remote controll classroom system, multimedia repository manager system, etc.)

To implement a new Multimedia Library, integrated with an advanced search engine, where the end-user can navigate in a 3D scene of the results.

To design specific modules to manage room and objects with indipendent management.

Virtual World 3D Future Functionality

FUNCTIONALITY

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Home page config.

WBDMS

User Registration

Publications

Web seminar

Multimedia

News

Consolle

Value

Usability TestingUsability Testingresults:results:

High UsabilityHigh Usabilitydegreedegreeof VW-3Dof VW-3D

VW 3D - FINAL RESULTSVW 3D - FINAL RESULTS

Net SeminarNet LessonExt. SpaceExt. Space

ROOMSROOMS

ObjectsObjects

SlidesSlides

VideosVideos

LibraryLibrary

DocumentsDocuments

Web SiteWeb Site

VW-3D REAL SCENARIOVW-3D REAL SCENARIO

• ENEA and University (Rome, Ferrara, etc.)• 5 Small and Middle Enterprises• 3 Elementary and Secondary Schools

• 10 Courses (Energy, Biotechnology, Envirnoment, Computer Science, New Technologies, Materials, etc)

• 10 teachers involved• 100 users VW-3D

• More 20.000 users registered (1999-2006) to MATRIX• 3 European Research Projects and 2 National Programmes

http://www.enea.it

http://www.di.uniroma1.it

http://serverulab.casaccia.enea.it

Contact us:Contact us:

[email protected]@casaccia.enea.it

End of the presentationEnd of the presentation

Thank you for your kind attention!Thank you for your kind attention!

flavio fontana, marina moscarini, david d’arcangelo [email protected],...

Documents

d matrix slide

virtual courses

matrix e

advanced elearning system

virtual scenario

italy virtual world

web interface slide

d research activity