NRI Offers “3D-IES Ver. 3.0”, a Distance
Education System Using Three-Dimensional Virtual Space on the Network
March 6, 2003
Nomura Research Institute, Ltd.
Nomura Research Institute, Ltd.
Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. (NRI: Tokyo; Akihisa
Fujinuma, President, CEO & COO) has developed and will start marketing
on April 1, 2003, the “3D-IES Ver. 3.0,” a distance education
system, which provides an interactive communications environment for
multi users sharing a three-dimensional (3D) virtual space on the network.
E-learning using a computer network is becoming more popular in schools owing to the diffusion of campuses, the diversification of the educational needs of students and the globalization of schools. However, individual learning has been the main purpose of most e-learning systems available in the market and consequently, they lack the environment of interactive communication, which is an important factor in education.
The “3D-IES” offers users an environment that integrated the specifications of the lecture distribution system, test contents and tutorials, which are considered the three vital elements of an education system. It also allowed for lessons to be structured according to various teaching methods and curricula.
Since the commencement of its sale, 20 sets of the “3D-IES Ver. 1.0” were sold to universities and professional education schools where they were used in lessons. They were also used in joint experimental lessons involving real-time interactive distance education at five national universities, i.e., Hokkaido University, Nagoya University, Kyoto University, Hiroshima University and Kyushu University.
The upgraded “3D-IES Ver. 3.0” incorporates the following functions:
E-learning using a computer network is becoming more popular in schools owing to the diffusion of campuses, the diversification of the educational needs of students and the globalization of schools. However, individual learning has been the main purpose of most e-learning systems available in the market and consequently, they lack the environment of interactive communication, which is an important factor in education.
The “3D-IES” offers users an environment that integrated the specifications of the lecture distribution system, test contents and tutorials, which are considered the three vital elements of an education system. It also allowed for lessons to be structured according to various teaching methods and curricula.
Since the commencement of its sale, 20 sets of the “3D-IES Ver. 1.0” were sold to universities and professional education schools where they were used in lessons. They were also used in joint experimental lessons involving real-time interactive distance education at five national universities, i.e., Hokkaido University, Nagoya University, Kyoto University, Hiroshima University and Kyushu University.
The upgraded “3D-IES Ver. 3.0” incorporates the following functions:
| (1) | Distribution of streaming images and voices to a 3D space. |
| (2) | The function to use the 3D environment as a plug-in to the Web browser. |
| (3) | Compression of 3D data to 1/30 to 1/40 of the conventional size to facilitate its distribution on the network. |
| (4) | Interactive learning through a group working function. |
| (5) | The function for teachers to create their own 3D virtual space. |
The “3D-IES Ver. 3.0” is priced at ¥3,000,000 per set (with
simultaneous access for 50 users). In the fiscal 2003 starting in April,
NRI anticipates the sale of 30 sets to universities, senior and junior
high schools and elementary schools as well as to corporations.
For detailed information, please visit: http://www.sitecube.jp/3d-ies/main.html
For detailed information, please visit: http://www.sitecube.jp/3d-ies/main.html
[For inquiries, please contact:]
Corporate Communications Department
Nomura Research Institute, Ltd.
Phone: +81-3-5255-1981
e-mail: kouhou@nri.co.jp
Corporate Communications Department
Nomura Research Institute, Ltd.
Phone: +81-3-5255-1981
e-mail: kouhou@nri.co.jp
(Reference Materials)
Screen Images of 3D-IES Ver. 3.0
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Data are distributed to the information board in a 3D space. Data can be shared among users. Posting on the board can be done easily from the Web browser. |
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Streaming images and voices can be distributed to a 3D space. Lessons can be distributed live or on demand. |
Three Vital Elements of Education are Integrated.
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Transmission of Formal Knowledge | |
| (1) | Lecture Distribution System → Transmission of Knowledge | |
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Interactive communications by voice and image are made possible, while users share teaching materials files or applications. | |
| (2) | Test Contents → Results by Repetition | |
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On demand self-learning system (WBT: Web-Based Training). * NRI Group sells a product called “NetTutor.” |
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Sharing Implicit Knowledge | |
| (3) | Tutorials → Cooperation, Personal Experience, Questions and Answers | |
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Cooperative learning in an environment of interactive communications. | |
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Other Functions | |
| (1) | Sending and receiving files Task files can be sent and received between a teacher and his/her students. |
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| (2) | Card function Personal information can be sent out. |
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| (3) | News function Using a Web browser, a teacher can distribute news to each group. |
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| (4) | ) Log analysis Group working logs can be obtained and analyzed. |
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Effects on Education | |
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l The use of a 3D visual space with its sense of presence and the use of images and voice can make for more precise understanding. | |
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l Joint study can be facilitated through real-time communications in a shared space with distant places (in or out of Japan). | |
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l By constructing a place that exists in real life in a 3D virtual space, reality-based learning is made possible. | |
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l Through joint study, students can improve their problem-solving ability, presentation ability and ability to communicate one’s experience. | |
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l Mock tests “on demand,” and individual guidance by means of a weakness strengthening system, allow learning to proceed according to individuals’ capabilities. | |
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l Students’ motivation to learning may be maintained and improved by the Edutainment (Entertainment + Education) elements and through exchange of information among the students of the same group. | |
Recommended System Requirements.
| <3D-IES Server> | |
| OS: | Microsoft Windows 2000Professional/Server/AdvancedServe |
| CPU: | Pentium III 1 GHz or higher |
| Memory: | 512 MB or higher |
| HDD: | 400 MB or higher |
| <Media Server> | |
| OS: | Microsoft Windows 2000/Server/AdvancedServe |
| CPU: | Pentium III 1 GHz or higher |
| Memory: | 512 MB or higher |
| HDD: | 500 MB or higher |
| <Client PC> | |
| OS: | Microsoft Windows 98/2000/xp |
| CPU: | Pentium III 800 MHz or higher |
| Memory: | 256 MB or higher |
| HDD: | 20 MB or higher |
| Software: | DirectX8.1 or higher; Windows Media Player 7.1 or higher;Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher |
| Videoboard: | Accelerator board compatible with Direct3D |
Inquiries:webmaster@nri.co.jp
Copyright(c) 2003 Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. All rights reserved.
No reproduction or republication without written permission.