Abstract:

We have used web-based tri-dimensional 3D technology as a way of attracting and engaging students in simple and complex formal and informal learning activities. The background for this kind of teaching approach has been practical research and work that has stimulated personal independent learning and collaborative investigation about using 3D web-based platform for supporting interdisciplinary curriculum development and influencing individuals’ digital and visual literacy at k-12 education. Achievements have been learning how to think better and improving cognitive skills; a continuous reflection about contributing for solving problems such as low level of students’ literacy, math and technology skills with support of computer graphics and desktop virtual reality techniques and information visualization tools. The empirical work has showed that by hands on computer programming through a high level web-based language such as virtual reality modeling language VRML, is possible improving individuals’ technical skills; stimulating the culture of digital content production; increasing ones’ literacy and math abilities; as well as supporting students’ active comprehension of scientific principles related to diverse sciences that are investigated at school and also influence individuals’ daily life. In addition, using the described tools we illustrate how to develop a small scale virtual world example in which a piece of VRML code is used and reused for creating and visualizing digital content based on minimal art concept. Having in mind that minimal art seems simple, but behind its simplicity, it deploys a complex web of ideas. Through this example, we approximate the readers from the convergence among digital culture, literacy, other sciences of school curriculum and art at K-12 education.

Keywords:

Virtual reality, interdisciplinary learning, literacy, digital culture, arts.