VR PLATFORMS FOR EDUCATION
In this project we are researching several VR platforms to find out if and how they can be used for education. Below you will find a list of environments that we are testing. Suggestions are welcome, send them to nick@3dles.com
FrameVR
FrameVR could be the #1 platform for education. Why? It is very easy to enter because it is browser based but every area can also be protected so strange users can not enter, which is great for education. It can be accessed through a mobile phone, a computer and even a VR headset. It is quite easy to upload and place your own content in it and teachers (and students) can also create their own environments for free with a maximum of 8 users per environment.
More information - learn.framevr.io
Pros and Cons
+ Browser based. Can be used with PC, MAC, Chromebook, Tablets, iPhone, Android Phone and VR headsets
+ No account needed. Users can enter directly without creating an account, they only need to fill in a name
+ Every area can be protected by a log in password
+ Areas can be linked together
+ Teachers can upload textures, sounds, videos, 3D objects
+ Imported assets can very easily be snapped to the right position
+ Voice & text chat, text translators, voice zones
+ Preset areas (25+) can be used and adapted
+ New areas can be created using 3D software, like Blender
- No scripting, so there is not much interaction with objects
- Only 8 users can enter a free area
E-LIVE in FrameVR
In our project we use FrameVR to create educational tasks. More information on how we use FrameVR can be found here...
Spatial
To use Spatial you have to be at least 18 years old. So this can not be used for primary and secondary education.
There are several items that can be uploaded and used, like 3D objects, images, PDF's, video's. You can find information about it behind this link.
More information - https://www.spatial.io/
Pros and Cons
+ Browser based. Can be used with PC, MAC, Chromebook, iPhone and iPad (an app), Android app and VR headsets.
+ Great looking graphics and avatars
+ 50 users in one environment
+ Many standard preset areas
+ New custom built areas can be uploaded
- Minimum age of 18
- You have to have an account to log in (Google, Microsoft, etc.)
- With an account you can jump into many other rooms
- No scripting, so not much interaction with the objects
E-LIVE areas on Spatial
We uploaded our four language villages to Spatial for our research.
Mozilla Hubs (will stop somewhere in 2024)
Mozilla Hubs is about meeting, sharing and collaborating together in private 3D virtual spaces.
More information - hubs.mozilla.com
Pros and Cons
+ Browser based. Can be used with PC, MAC, Chromebook, Tablets, iPhone, Android Phone and VR headsets
+ 10 Online guest capacity
- The owner/teacher needs to create a Firefox account to create new worlds
- Creating your first HUB can take a long time or sometimes don't work at all (we did not manage to work in the new environment, yet)
+ No visitor accounts needed. Visitors can enter directly without creating an account, they only need to fill in a name
+ Unlimited spaces for a free account
+ Customizable environment and themes
500MB Asset storage for avatars and scenes
