VIRTUAL REALITY MODELING LANGUAGE

"Enable learners to interact with 3D Objects via the World Wide Web."

VRML Overview

Virtual Reality Modeling Language was created in 1994 by Mark Pesce, Anthony Parisi, and Gavin Bell. They designed the specifications for the first ever 3D Modeling language. Prior to their creative VRML language the World Wide Web had difficulty displaying three dimensional images much less interacting with them. Navigating through the web will never be the same. Currently VRML appears to be experiencing some growing pains. Like many other web innovations, it requires Plug-ins to be able to view the Imaginative "Worlds" and "Objects." In its simplest form VRML can be created by even the most non technical computer enthusiast. Most of the Objects and Worlds found on the web today are highly ambitious, but not very well developed. In my opinion, the 3D objects lack detail and purpose. As a word of advice for instructional designers, VRML is not yet ready for "Prime Time!" Read on to find out more about the current status of VRML.

Object Libraries

There is a plethora of VRML Objects available on the web (free) for you to use in your site. The authors of the objects usually request that a reference be made (link) to their site. These places that contain the 3D objects are commonly refered to as Object Libraries. However the Object below was snagged from the KiwanosVRML Market. Visit the market to view the 3D version of the object below. Beware that you will need to spend some time downloading and configuring a Plug-In for your browser before you can experience VRML.

Send a VRML message to a friend

VRML also gives you the ability to personalize your objects. You can write a personal greeting inside of an object and attach it to an e-mail or embed it into your web page. Most of the objects that are currently available on the web are nice to look at, but are probably not worth using. However, this scroll does have its uses. The object above can also be found at the Kiwanos VRML Market . Only the truly web-savvy techies, dare to download the scroll and insert their own text inside!

Make your own 3D VRML Object

Believe it or not, you don't need to install a high powered, memory guzzling, super expensive, authoring software application to begin making your own VRML Objects. You can create VRML by simply typing code using NOTEPAD. (Simple Text for Mac) Try this VRML Tutorial . Follow the easy steps to create a real live VRML Object. * may require plug-ins

On the VRML Horizon

This form of technology will not be a novelty for long. The latest breakthrough for the VRML platform is the production of VRML Dream A Live VRML Production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, played over the Internet. (Review). One of the co-creators of VRML, Mark Pesce was amazed to see where " Shaft :Wissen " has gone with VRML. It seems as though VRML is stretching with the limits of peoples imagination. Unfortunately, books written about VRML are not nearly as informative as websites. When the latest breaking news is released, it appears online faster than you can say "Ver-muhl".

Visit and bookmark the sites listed below to learn more about 3D VRML Objects.

Enjoy!

Frank Gonzales, Graduate Student in Educational Technology