Searching Distributed Learning Objects in 3D Virtual Gaming Environment

Abstract: Search engines usually publish search results in web pages that are filled with certain number of matched resources and can be navigated further through successive back and forth operations. While this approach proves to be useful, it fails to show the context and relationship among displayed results. We argue that new and intuitive user interfaces, such as 3D virtual environment interfaces, may provide an alternative to the traditional presentation techniques, especially in a learning environment where learners are looking for learning objects (LOs) of their interest. We propose a 3D car gaming metaphor where the learners can search distributed LOs and interact with them. This approach not only shows an intuitive way of information visualization but also integrates education and entertainment to serve the vision of Edutainment.