Abstract:

There has been an educational gap related to promoting k-12 educators’ digital knowledge enhancements referent to understanding and direct manipulating advanced web3D based information visualization technology. In addition, there has also been a problem related to encouraging educators’ reflection on how to use web3D technology on classroom daily teaching and learning activities. This work describes an exploratory hands on web3d based workshop in which k-12 educators discussed the interrelation involving information and communication technology, digital arts and education. The workshop was designed to enhance ones’ digital knowledge. It was carried out during a K-12 Educators’ Seminary in a developing country. In the workshop k-12 educators were introduced to and used X3Dom technology for exploring, creating and visualizing 3D virtual objects in real time. The workshop methodology provided K-12 Educators’ exploratory learning activities through direct manipulation of X3Dom scripting files for building a 3D digital sculpture having as a theoretical and practical reference the concept of minimal art. The combination of exploratory activities and minimal art concept served as a base for educators’ reflections on how to applying advanced web3d information visualization technology in the context of k-12 education can stimulate one’s interdisciplinary learning of scientific concepts like math, English, arts, geometry as well as improve individuals’ reading, writing and digital skills.

Keywords:

Web3D knowledge, exploratory technology, interactive education, lifelong learning, ICT skills.