Children's creation of shared 3D worlds

Moar's research seeks new uses for interactive technologies, focusing on how learners, particularly the young, may use ICTs as creative tools for learning. Taking a Vygotskian / Constructionalist approach, Moar investigates how new technologies can be applied to classroom and informal learning. Young learners' achievements using advanced technologies were shown to exceed the expectations generally made of them.
The chapter is based on a paper at 'Digital Content Creation - Challenges and Opportunities', an international conference co-sponsored by the Computer Graphics and VR Societies. The chapter describes the VERTEX project (£220,000), which adopted a 'learning by making' approach in the construction of virtual interactive 3D environments by children.
The paper provides an overview of their work and findings from VERTEX, including a summary of some of the key emerging themes and new insights into classroom-based 3D modelling. Using an integrated, classroom-based action research approach, together with an informal participatory design methodology, two principal research questions were addressed:
- Are children able to produce shared 3D worlds within their existing classroom practice?
- What tools may be developed to assist them in their construction and use of shared 3D worlds?
This work showed for the first time that children were able to use professional modelling tools to produce competent, working, shared 3D Worlds. Additionally, based on feedback from the participating children, two tools were developed and successfully used to assist in the creation and use of virtual worlds.
The methodology developed and outlined in the paper was used in the FATHOM project (presented at the National Maritime Museum, June 2004).
Joint paper with Bailey, temporary researcher on project. Moar directed the pedagogic and technical aspects of the Vertex project and facilitated work in four schools where Bailey assisted in supporting and liaising with learners and teachers