VirtualLabs@UMa: A customizable 3D learning platform for experimental activities

Currently, the methods used by students to study outside classes is more theoretical since it is mostly based on textbooks or computers in order to complement their studies. When it comes to more practical courses such as chemistry or biology, replicating at home an experiment carried out previously at school is almost impossible due the lack of infra-structure and material. In the last few years, with the possibility to provide multimedia and virtual reality environments on the Web, different applications were proposed to overcome this need for virtual laboratories. However, most of the existing tools are not flexible enough or are domain-oriented, not supporting the addition of new experiments when needed. This paper introduces a new platform for providing a customizable Virtual Laboratory, VirtualLabs@UMa. This application was proposed at University of Madeira in order to provide students a flexible 3D virtual laboratory and teachers a platform that can be customized to new experimental protocols when needed.