USALSIM: Learning and Professional Practicing in a 3D Virtual World - 2nd International Workshop on Evidence-Based Technology Enhanced Learning - page 76

• Star training model : in this topology a single object coordinates the various re-

lationships among the other training elements. That is, a specific 3D object acts
as coordinator for the remaining 3D objects in the space. All communication
passes through this object, and it alone decides what to do with the incoming
information. This topology is applied in training sessions where the collabora-
tive process is strictly defined and has a determined sequencing, so that the
number of relationships among objects is small. In this way, there are satellite
objects with a low execution load, and an object that contains all the logic of
the training and makes decisions regarding the global process.

Role-playing training model : training content and resolutions can only be
reached by interacting with other users (avatars). For instance, the training of
Law includes exercises related to judicial processes that would have to be simu-
lated in a classroom environment since real courthouses are not available
to conduct this activity. Thus, virtual spaces representing a courtroom were de-
veloped in order to create an immersion style training as close as possible to a
real-life environment, even including the appropriate attire. These trainings re-
quire interaction among various users playing the different roles required in the
judicial process.

•

Fig. 2 View of virtual courtroom training

• In this training model there is no definite execution prescribed by the system

for a set of 3D objects. Instead, the users are provided with a set of interactive
tools to develop the training. The tools that they are given to complete the train-
ing are basically communication tools such as text or voice. Additionally, they
may have access to interactive screens, video players, screens for presentations,
etc.
From the beginning of this project, one of the specific requirements established
was the ability to connect the virtual world with Moodle [8] technology, as it is the