3D assistive technologies and advantageous themes for collaboration and blended learning of users with disabilities

Saleeb, Noha ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8509-1508 and Dafoulas, George ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2638-8771 (2011) 3D assistive technologies and advantageous themes for collaboration and blended learning of users with disabilities. In: Assistive and Augmentive Communication for the Disabled: Intelligent Technologies for Communication, Learning and Teaching. Theng, Lau Bee, ed. IGI Global, pp. 25-69. ISBN 9781609605414. [Book Section] (doi:10.4018/978-1-60960-541-4.ch002)

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Abstract

The significance of newly emergent 3D virtual worlds to different genres of users is currently a controversial subject in deliberation. Users range from education pursuers, business contenders, and social seekers to technology enhancers and many more who comprise both users with normal abilities in
physical life and those with different disabilities. This study aims to derive and critically analyze, using grounded theory, advantageous and disadvantageous themes and their sub concepts of providing elearning through 3D Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs), like Second Life, to disabled users; hence
providing evidence that 3DVLEs not only support traditional physical learning, but also offer e-learning opportunities unavailable through 2D VLEs (like moodle, blackboard), and offer learning opportunities unavailable through traditional physical education. Furthermore, to achieve full potential from the above mentioned derived concepts, architectural and accessibility design requirements of 3D educational facilities proposed by different categories of disabled students to accommodate for their needs, are demonstrated.

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