Authoring Story-based Adaptive 3D Virtual Learning Environments

Adaptive three-dimensional (3D) Virtual Leaning Environments are interesting for the e-learning domain as they have great potential resulting from the capabilities offered by 3D Virtual Environments in combination with the opportunities offered by adaptive systems. However, their breakthrough is hindered by the difficulty of their development. This paper presents a development approach that allows course authors to create adaptive 3D virtual learning environments without the need to be an expert in 3D or using programming or scripting languages. In particular, the paper elaborates on the principles used for the authoring approach, as well as on the different aspects that need to be supported, i.e. the pedagogical aspects, the adaptation aspects, and the requirement to support the specification of an adaptive storyline which should be followed by learners.