INTERACTIVE 3D objects In educational resources OF MOODLE

As the e-learning technology develops, there is a demand for more information on technical devices, products, installations, equipment, etc., particularly, in technical fields. Let us consider the visualization of 3D objects in e-learning resources by example of Moodle environment, which do not require special skills and knowledge of programming. 3D model created in a CAD system is possible to export to a format of image, video or interactive three-dimensional object. Image and video can be used in e-learning courses because of supplementing contents of the course with more information on the topic in the form of a file or page embedded. An image adds static visualization to the textual information of the course. In order to be published in a Moodle course graphic files should be used in most common formats - JPEG, BMP, PNG. A video file represents the design of product more fully. The format of video files should combine optimum ratio playback quality and small size, for example - FLV, MP4. Media files can be embedded in the page of the course Moodle and added to modules of the course as a file or hyperlink. Interactive 3D objects in Moodle courses The course Moodle can use interactive 3D models. Such a representation of three-dimensional objects allows the user to “manage” the model - rotate, move, disassemble, perform cross-section, change colors, and etc. Let us consider two ways of interactive 3D use in the courses Moodle: • viewing with a preset player. It provides more completed 3D object manipulation; • viewing from a remote cloud service. The player is not required. It provides a simplified 3D object manipulation. Viewing of interactive 3D models using a preset player is available in the course Moodle; it is enough to place a link to the file of the format desired. Viewing through a preset player provides the student an opportunity to operate the model of products independently - to turn, move, dismantle, and etc. For local viewing and visualization of interactive models there are a few similar applications on the market. For viewing of an interactive 3D in the courses Moodle it can be used 3D models in DWF format and the viewer DWF-file Autodesk® Design Review. This is a free program for viewing, drawing markups, printing and tracking changes in 2D and 3D project files that are generated using the software Autodesk, in digital format. CAD systems are unnecessary for working. Design Web Format (DWF) is an open file format developed by Autodesk for sharing design data, viewing, printing and reviewing. DWF format allows users to view projects on computers that do not have CAD (AutoCAD, 3ds Max, etc.) installed. For publication in the course Moodle models in DWF format are generated from conventional 3D models created, for example, in Autodesk Inventor, and exported in DWF format in the same system of designing. The teacher-developer of a course can add links to these models in the pages of the textbook, giving students more information on the topic of the course. It can be implemented by: • adding a file to a module of the Moodle course; then a file DWF should be selected or loaded into the course and view is customized; • creating a hyperlink in the text of the course page; then a file DWF should be selected or loaded into the course and view is customized. Viewing of interactive 3D in the Moodle resources from a remote cloud repository Cloud repository is a place where you can get access to the space for co-operation and cloud services, where you can work together in a project at any time and in any place. Today, there are many cloud services available for placing models, data and getting the code for paste into the website or web page: Sketchfab, Autodesk 360, Kisters, and others. We use Autodesk 360 (360.autodesk.com) to display 3D in Moodle courses. The use of this technology in the Moodle courses does not require for a teacher (developer) any special knowledge and skills. For viewing 3D models the cloud storage does not require special pre-installed players, but the browser. After registration with you log in to the main page of your repository, you will be shown a list of recent actions related to your documents. Download of the model file in the remote repository is a simple dragging and dropping in the download window. Due to sharing this file, you can receive and copy the HTML code to paste it into your web site or page Moodle: · creating a resource page in the course Moodle, paste the code in the editor window of HTML-code (field Contents page); · a page of the course with interactive 3D model embedded, a text or description can be added. The student sees a display of the model of equipment or a product in 3D, on page of the textbook or lecture where he can read more about the design, get more information about the device and components (for example about the equipment which is considered in lectures); understand the task for designing more fully and correctly, and etc. Students, in turn, can represent their results for preliminary assessment and discussion. Conclusion Thus, the course of Moodle environment makes it possible to introduce an interactive presentation of models of equipment, devices, appliances, buildings, etc as well as graphics and video files. Interactive presentation of 3D models in the Moodle courses expands information completeness of the course, increases the attractiveness and stimulates students’ interest in educational resources without requiring special training for both teachers and students.

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