Abstract:

Learning involves understanding complex or abstract concepts through observation and analysis. This is primarily achieved via text, images, sketches, diagrams and perhaps video. Interactive 2D and 3D graphics can augment learning by letting students manipulate and interact directly with the material. Traditional methods of conveying information to students include writing on whiteboards, showing static slides and assigning readings from textbooks. Many of these traditional methods are now competing with modern styles of information consumption and may not offer a varied enough approach to reach students who increasingly prefer to learn through digital methods. Moreover, these unvouched competing methods, such as YouTube videos, may not be reliable as they are driven by engagement and revenue seeking goals as opposed to academic integrity.

There is currently a dearth of topic specific interactive material available to use. In the context of Virtual Reality (VR) much has been promised but educational content is lacking and hardware is expensive and isolating. Herein we will discuss a project to enable educators to easily create their own online 3D interactive material to support learning that runs in the browser and does not require any equipment other than a personal computer or a smartphone. Entitled FLAME (Facilitating Learning with Animation and Multimedia Engagement) this project embraces open-source technologies and practices.

We proposed a transferable solution that eliminated barriers, such as access to specialised hardware, and streamlines authorship for educators by reducing web development knowledge requirements. A summer workshop for a diverse group of academics, researchers and students was run at University College Dublin, Ireland, to teach the skills necessary to create 3D interactive and animated learning materials particular to their needs with support from a 3D artist.

Furthermore, focus groups were conducted with students to determine the effectiveness of the new material. This activity also gave the students a space to voice what they believe such technologies can offer their broader educational experience, which will then feedback into future workshops.

In the spirit of the openness of the FLAME project, we propose a digital library in which 3D interactive content is shared under open-source licence, with attribution to the authors. The intention is to curate a multidisciplinary collection of key concepts that address the aforementioned learning challenges around complex and abstract ideas that all students encounter. These visual materials can cross language barriers making them transferable to a wide variety of learners supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion. The digital library will encapsulate activities around material creation with support for new materials driven by educator and student engagement via feedback.

A high degree of participation in the first summer workshop has translated into the creation of new materials in disciplines including engineering and science, medicine and nursing, veterinary science, archeology and also education. This is a model for replicating this in other institutions.

Keywords:

3D animation, HTML, JavaScript, open source, Blender, Digital Library.