In this paper we present an approach for applying virtual reality (VR) to the creation of a family of educational environments for young users. The immersive and interactive attributes of VR technology can be a powerful tool for education, allowing the learner to actively participate in the surrounding environment. Our approach is based on constructionism, where real and synthetic users, motivated by an underlying narrative, build persisting virtual worlds through collaboration. This approach is grounded on well established paradigms in contemporary learning and integrates ideas from such diverse fields as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, CSCW, storytelling, and artificial intelligence. The goal is to build an experiential learning environment that will engage children in authentic activity. Our prototype system explores the above ideas within the CAVE™ virtual reality theater.

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Roussou, M., Johnson, A., Leigh, J., Vasilakis, C., Moher, T., Constructing Collaborative Stories Within Virtual Learning Landscapes, Proceedings of the European Conference on AI in Education, Lisbon, Portugal, pp. 129-135, September 30th, 1996. http://www.evl.uic.edu/tile/NICE/NICE/PAPERS/EUROAIED/HTML/aied.html