VIEW – A Virtual Interactive Web-based Learning Environment for Engineering

The use of computer-aided and web-based educational technologies such as Virtual Learning
Environments (VLE) has increased significantly in the recent past. One example of such a VLE
is Virtual Interactive Engineering on the Web (VIEW). VIEW is a 3D virtual, interactive, student centered,
framework of web-based modules based on the Extensible 3D standard. These modules
are dedicated to the improvement of student success and learning. In this paper, an overview of the
recent developments in VIEW along with associated assessment results is presented. An experimental
study was also performed to compare the learning experience and performance of students
in a physical dissection activity vs. that in a virtual dissection activity using a VIEW module.