Virtual reality and mixed reality for virtual learning environments

This paper explores educational uses of virtual learning environment (VLE) concerned with issues of learning, training and entertainment. We analyze the state-of-art research of VLE based on virtual reality and augmented reality. Some examples for the purpose of education and simulation are described. These applications show that VLE can be means of enhancing, motivating and stimulating learners' understanding of certain events, especially those for which the traditional notion of instructional. learning have proven inappropriate or difficult. Furthermore, the users can learn in a quick and happy mode by playing in the virtual environments. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.