The most distinctive aspect of Learning@Europe is its use of shared virtual 3D environments to provide a unique and truly European experience.

Online 3D worlds are “the” technology of the moment: the increasing popularity of phenomena like Second Life, Active Worlds, the Sims games, and similar raises questions on whether and how they could be effectively used for learning purposes.

What is the benefit of using collaborative 3D environments ? By meeting in a shared virtual space, moving around and chatting with international students, participants have the perception of being in the same place with their foreign peers: the sense of “presence” is strong and engaging, especially when they show one another pictures of their countries and compete in team games.

Thus, in Learning@Europe students from different European countries, have a shared space to meet and learn the history of one another’s country, presenting, discovering, and discussing similarities and differences.

Even as the novelty wears off, excitement does not decrease. A “veteran” teacher commented: “As participant in the project for the third consecutive year, I can rely on a high motivation!!”