Web 3D and Virtual Reality - Based Applications for Simulation and e-Learning

Knowledge is embedded in people and unlike information, knowledge creation occurs in a process of social interaction. As our service-based society is evolving into a knowledge-based society, there is an acute need for more effective collaboration and more effective knowledge sharing systems for use by geographically scattered people. This paper investigates the use of 3D components and standards such as Web 3D in combination with Virtual Reality paradigms for e-Learning. We are outlining the e-Learning concept in the European Union context. We are presenting a few case studies and investigating the application of Web 3D technologies to enhance e-Learning of economic concepts.