An application of a virtual learning environment in support of teaching and learning for design and technology education

Audiovisual advances in Virtual Reality (VR) technology have given rise to innovative ways to teach and learn. However, so far, teaching and learning processes have been technologically driven as opposed to pedagogically led. This article identifies the development of a pedagogical model and its application to teaching, studying and learning with 3D virtual reality technologies. This is in the context of design and technology education, where it has been devised for the support of innovation education. This work promotes an understanding of the implications of virtual learning technologies in education for teachers, learners and educational decision-makers. Furthermore, it can be shown that when pedagogical considerations are given weight in the development of such technology-based learning services, improvements arise for all stakeholders.