Virtual learning environments for rock engineering education and training - a guideline for development, examples, and lessons learned

This paper presents the research and educational development activity at Aalto University in creating virtual learning environments for rock engineering education. Virtual learning environments are increasingly recognized as tools to improve engineering education, but their
creation requires specialized knowledge of 3D scanning, computer graphics, and game development. The paper discusses a method for creating 3D models of real environments using photogrammetry, along with hardware and software options. The models are then integrated into virtual learning systems built using game engines. Two case examples focusing on digitizing sites for virtual rock mass mapping are presented, and the outcomes and lessons learned are discussed. The paper concludes that accurate and photorealistic virtual learning environments can be developed to enhance rock engineering education and training. This has implications for the future development of virtual learning environments in engineering education and highlights the potential for using extended reality technology to communicate complex spatial data.