Towards the Next Generation of Learning Environments: An InterReality Learning Portal and Model

Advances in technology are enabling different and interesting ways of experiencing education outside the traditional classroom. For example using network technology it is possible for people to follow courses remotely via technologies such as eLearning, pod casts and 3D virtual learning environments. This paper describes research towards the integration of some cutting edge concepts, such as mixed reality, learning design, cloud learning and 3D environments that we have utilised to form a novel InterReality portal and associated pedagogical model. Our InterReality model applies Problem-based Learning (PBL) pedagogy, including co-creative learning, to the realization of a mixed reality laboratory environment for teaching embedded-computing and emerging computing applications such as the Internet-of-Things. Moreover our model proposes the use of learning design to structure the tasks and activities, their assignment to roles, and their workflow within a unit of learning (UoL) approach to allow a standardised learning activity construction, and re-use. The main contributions of this paper are the InterReality model and architecture and the supporting pedagogical analysis and rationale. © 2012 IEEE.