Bridging the Gap between Virtual and Physical Classrooms to Enhance Distance Learning Experience

In this paper we report on our current research and development work that aims to apply pervasive computing and context-aware technologies to enhance the teaching and learning experience in distance education environments. In order to achieve this goal we move from the 2-D user interfaces found in virtual class management systems to the ubiquitous 3-D environment of the classroom. A smart classroom prototype is presented which provides the necessary mechanisms for building context-aware services to enrich distance learning experience. The fusion of location tracking with activity recognition mechanisms allows to control the liveliness of the video stream transmitted to remote students in order to reduce the gap between physical and virtual classrooms.