ARIEL : Augmented Reality in Interactive E-learning

Abstract

Technological advances in the field of Information and Communication technology have brought about an increase in the need to mediate knowledge. Leaming and education have been evolving constantly to accommodate the pervasive nature of technology. Within this evolution, e-Iearning platforms have also been developing and shifting from simple monolithic frameworks, dealing with the essentials of course management, design and delivery, to 'flexible' systems involving the learners more actively making use of external stimuli to enhance motivation. Emerging trends in the fusion between education and technology are indeed showing that modem-day learners are requesting more informality and flexibility in their own educational process; hence the introduction of concepts such as virtual worlds and augmented reality. Platforms making use of this type of innovative technology have in fact been found to yield a more flexible and robust learning environment which offers enhanced personalization and dynamicity in the presentation of information using an orchestration of various functionalities based upon service-oriented architectures. This paper discusses possible research in the ambit of interactive learning over the World Wide Web and in an environment built upon virtual reality. Research centres upon the effectiveness of socio-collaboration in a learning community targeting the sharing of learning objects. Such virtual knowledge resource distribution and management aims to bridge the gap between content providers, information technology providers and other beneficiaries involved. This paper will focus upon the principles of design and construction of this innovative learning structure, directed at various !CT-related topics with such target member groups including higher education institutions.