Re-examining 3D Web Technologies for Education

Abstract

The last year has seen a resurgence of technologies and applications designed for thecreation and delivery of 3D objects and environments over the web. Complaints of the variousshortcomings and inadequacies associated with VRML caused support and excitement for 3D onthe web to wane. Many questioned the viability and whether there was even a need for 3D on theweb. Yet, for spatial ability instruction as well as a wealth of other purposes, web virtual reality isvitally important and undoubtedly appropriate. The focus of this contribution is to highlight theimportance of spatial ability in education and to describe the current state of 3D technologies thatare applicable to the improvement of spatial ability.