Virtual Reality 2.0 and Its Application in Knowledge Building

Author(s):  
Johannes Moskaliuk ◽  
Joachim Kimmerle ◽  
Ulrike Cress

In this chapter, we will point out the impact of user-generated online virtual realities on individual learning and knowledge building. For this purpose, we will first explain some of the central categories of virtual realities (VRs) such as presence and immersion. We will also introduce the term virtual reality 2.0 (VR 2.0), which refers to those new types of VRs that are characterized by typical features of the Web 2.0, such as the opportunity that exists for users to create content and objects themselves. We will explain why we think the term VR 2.0–as a combination of Web 2.0 and VR–is a good label for currently existing user-generated online VRs. This chapter will also explain the concept of knowledge building, both in general terms and in the Web 2.0 context. The main emphasis of the chapter is on the significance of knowledge building for online VRs. In this context, we will describe the visualization of educational content, learner-object interaction, as well as personal, social, and environmental presence as its main features. We will also describe online VRs as a toolbox for user-generated content, and explain why the integration of different tools and seeing “living and learning” in context are relevant for applying user-generated online VRs in educational contexts. In conclusion, we will look at future trends for VR 2.0 environments.

Author(s):  
Anne Gerdes

This chapter investigates al-Qaeda’s use of Web 2.0 as a tool for radicalization and recruitment. The media network of al-Qaeda is described in order to demonstrate the impact of their well structured media strategy for harnessing the power of the Web. They use a strategy that makes them stand out from other extremist groups, who in most cases lack an overall approach towards branding and Web communication. It is shown why this strategy works and enables al-Qaeda to set the agenda for online global jihadism and cultivate virtual communities of engaged jihobbyists. Finally, a virtue ethical perspective demonstrates the shortcomings of the al-Qaeda Web 2.0 strategies, by which it is suggested that their Achilles’ heel is exactly the ideas inherent to Web 2.0, which are reflected in a bottom up participatory perspective. Thus, the Al-Qaeda online social movement does allow for engaged user participation, but without providing opportunities for free spirited critical reflection and self articulation of goals.


Author(s):  
Alan Rea

In this chapter, the author argues that virtual reality (VR) does have a place in e-commerce as a Web 2.0 application. However, VR is not ready to supplant standard e-commerce Web interfaces with a completely immersive VR environment. Rather, VRCommerce must rely on a mixed platform presentation to accommodate diverse levels of usability, technical feasibility, and user trust. The author proposes that e-commerce sites that want to implement VRCommerce offer at least three layers of interaction: a standard Web interface, embedded VR objects in a Web interface, and semi-immersive VR within an existing Web interface. This system is termed the Layered Virtual Reality Commerce System, or LaVRCS. This proposed LaVRCS framework can work in conjunction with Rich Internet Applications, Webtops, and other Web 2.0 applications to offer another avenue of interaction within the e-commerce realm. With adoption and development, LaVRCS will help propel e-commerce into the Web 3.0 realm and beyond.


2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edna Marta Oliveira da Silva ◽  
Adriana Cristina S. de Mattos Brahim ◽  
Iara Maria Bruz

<p align="center"><strong>RESUMO</strong></p><p>O presente artigo tem por objetivo apresentar algumas reflexões a respeito do uso de ambientes virtuais de aprendizagem no ensino de língua inglesa em um curso de graduação de Secretariado Executivo Trilíngue na modalidade presencial, a partir de uma pesquisa realizada em uma instituição de ensino superior (IES). São apresentadas algumas questões sobre o impacto das tecnologias nos modos de vida dos indivíduos e do uso das tecnologias de informação e comunicação (TICs) no âmbito educacional. Em se tratando dos processos de aprendizagem mediado pelas TICs, discutiremos aspectos relacionados ao ciberespaço e as possibilidades de seu uso em ambientes virtuais de aprendizagem (AVA). Nesse sentido, não poderíamos deixar à parte a discussão a respeito da interatividade, característica da Web 2.0 e, consequentemente, como os estudos sobre o interacionismo proposto por Vygotsky podem ser aí aplicados. Ainda, por tratarmos de língua estrangeira, concepções sobre língua são apresentadas e vinculadas ao seu ensino mediado pelas TICs.  Por fim, são apresentadas conclusões e possibilidades obtidas a partir da pesquisa realizada com alunos do curso de Secretariado Executivo Trilíngue em relação ao uso de um AVA durante dois semestres letivos.<strong>  </strong>A pesquisa mostrou que apenas o uso do AVA não leva o aluno a utilizar a praticar a língua alvo dentro de uma concepção de língua como discurso.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Palavras-chave: </strong>ambientes virtuais de aprendizagem; TICs; língua inglesa; ensino e aprendizagem.</p><p> </p><p align="center"><strong>ABSTRACT</strong></p><p>The present article aims to present some reflections on  the use of   learning management system environments in the teaching of English language in a Trilingual Office Management undergraduate course from a research conducted in an institution of  higher education. Some questions about the impact of technologies in the way  of life of the individuals and the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) within education are presented. In the case of the learning processes mediated by ICTs,  we intend to discuss some aspects related to cyberspace and the tools available on the Web 2.0 as well as the possibilities for their use in learning management systems (LMS)  which presence is paramount  in distance education courses. In this sense, it is necessary to mention some issues on about interactivity, which is a fundamental characteristic of  the Web 2.0 and, consequently, as the studies on the interactionism proposed by Vygotsky can be applied to such space. Moreover, as we are dealing with a foreign language, conceptions about language are presented and linked to its teaching mediated by ICTs. Finally, conclusions and possibilities obtained from the study carried out with undergraduate  students of the Trilingual Office Management course  in relation to the use of a AVA during two school semesters are presented.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Key words:</strong> learning management systems; ICTs; English language; teaching and learning.</p>


2014 ◽  
pp. 1598-1615
Author(s):  
Anne Gerdes

This chapter investigates al-Qaeda's use of Web 2.0 as a tool for radicalization and recruitment. The media network of al-Qaeda is described in order to demonstrate the impact of their well structured media strategy for harnessing the power of the Web. They use a strategy that makes them stand out from other extremist groups, who in most cases lack an overall approach towards branding and Web communication. It is shown why this strategy works and enables al-Qaeda to set the agenda for online global jihadism and cultivate virtual communities of engaged jihobbyists. Finally, a virtue ethical perspective demonstrates the shortcomings of the al-Qaeda Web 2.0 strategies, by which it is suggested that their Achilles' heel is exactly the ideas inherent to Web 2.0, which are reflected in a bottom up participatory perspective. Thus, the Al-Qaeda online social movement does allow for engaged user participation, but without providing opportunities for free spirited critical reflection and self articulation of goals.


Author(s):  
Jo Coldwell-Neilson

Expectations of, and by, students and staff in the classroom have been well researched. Yet, still there is a gap between the expectations of students and what they experience in their studies. The classroom itself is changing with the introduction of Web 2.0 technologies into the mix. Further changes are being driven by the changing profile of a tertiary student in the twenty first century. Education will not fulfill its goal if the gap in expectations is not addressed. The discrepancy in expectations is explored from the perspective of students and staff and strategies for bridging the gap and enhancing eLearning in the Web 2.0 environment are offered. The chapter begins with a scenario that demonstrates the issues and concludes with suggestions to avoid them in the future. In doing so, the key drivers of change in the learning landscape in Australia are identified and the impact these may have on staff and student expectations is explored.


2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luc Quoniam ◽  
Charles-Victor Boutet

We propose in this study, detailing our observations and research on the impact of the web 2.0, its associated tools, the cycle of the economic intelligence with new paradigms such as the many-to-many, new practices such as active SEO allow any individual, firm, to impact heavily on the aforementioned round, both in terms of information circulation, as data collection.


2013 ◽  
pp. 17-43
Author(s):  
Thomas Bebensee ◽  
Remko Helms ◽  
Marco Spruit

Web 2.0 and Knowledge Management (KM) have a considerable overlap. It appears promising to apply Web 2.0 applications for supporting and improving sharing and creation of knowledge. Yet, little research examining the impact of Web 2.0 on KM has been conducted. This chapter presents research examining the suitability and impact of Web 2.0 applications on KM in organizations. Two extensive exploratory case studies were conducted involving 11 interviews with key personnel of two student-run organizations. It is demonstrated how Web 2.0 applications can be used for a number of KM practices mostly related to the areas of asset management and knowledge creation and innovation. Moreover, they suggest that among all the Web 2.0 principles, User-Generated Content and Unbounded Collaboration exert the biggest influence on creating and sharing of knowledge within organizations. The study contributes to the general understanding of how Web 2.0 and KM practices can be interlinked with each other.


2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-64
Author(s):  
Sheikh Mohd Imran

The dramatic advances in technologies, particularly in Internet technologies have changed the way individuals seek and obtain information. The emerging of new programming languages for the web has promised new transformation for more dynamic web applications. This shift in web technologies is commonly under a sobriquet for several of online activities known currently by Web 2.0. There is little research that focuses on the impact and applications of web 2.0 in the libraries. The current study was undertaken to explore the impact and use of web 2.0 in libraries. The authors confined the study to twelve National Libraries of developed countries.


Author(s):  
David Parsons

This chapter explores how Web application software architecture has evolved from the simple beginnings of static content, through dynamic content, to adaptive content and the integrated client-server technologies of the Web 2.0. It reviews how various technologies and standards have developed in a repeating cycle of innovation, which tends to fragment the Web environment, followed by standardisation, which enables the wider reach of new technologies. It examines the impact of the Web 2.0, XML, Ajax and mobile Web clients on Web application architectures, and how server side processes can support increasingly rich, diverse and interactive clients. It provides an overview of a server-side Java-based architecture for contemporary Web applications that demonstrates some of the key concepts under discussion. By outlining the various forces that influence architectural decisions, this chapter should help developers to take advantage of the potential of innovative technologies without sacrificing the broad reach of standards based development.


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