X3D Field Trips for Remote Learning

Abstract

Combinations of immersive media and graphic portrayals can enable the human subjective sense of Presence. This paper collects our experiences and evaluations from six projects that use Extensible 3D (X3D) interactive graphics to deliver spatial experiences across the WWW. X3D enables the combination of spherical panoramas with 3D models and maps to visually transport users to a specific real location at a specific time. Remote users have access to these worlds through a Web-browser or other immersive device; local users in a CAVE can collaborate with natural physical gestures; . We reflect on the graphical and interactive requirements of these projects and provide guidance for future applications. In the face of physical lock-downs and distancing due to the CoVID pandemic, such platforms illustrate the opportunities and challenges in the design and delivery of spatial visualizations, especially for remote learning.