  The use of computer-aided and web-based educational technologies such as
Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) has increased significantly in the recent
past. One example of such a VLE is Virtual Interactive Engineering on the Web
(VIEW). VIEW is a 3D virtual, interactive, student centered, framework of
web-based modules based on the Extensible 3D standard. These modules are
dedicated to the improvement of student success and learning. In this paper, an
overview of the recent developments in VIEW along with associated assessment
results is presented. An experimental study was also performed to compare the
learning experience and performance of students in a physical dissection
activity vs. that in a virtual dissection activity using a VIEW module. The
results of this study show that students can meet given learning objectives and
that there is limited difference in their learning and performance irrespective
of a physical or virtual setting.
