3-Dimensional Online Learning Environments: Examining Attitudes toward Information Technology between Students in Internet-Based 3-Dimensional and Face-to-Face Classroom Instruction

3‐dimensional online learning environments can provide a means for users with limited connectivity to the Internet to participate as fully as their broadband‐enabled peers in collaborative experiences, information sharing and feedback. Nearly 90% of the universities in the USA that support distributed learning programmes use web‐based course delivery methods. Directors of these programmes state that web‐based delivery allows them to handle the wide range of connectivity among student populations. 3‐Dimensional online learning environments can increase online course interaction and feedback beyond current web‐based document delivery in a cost effective and scaleable manner. This article examines attitudes to information technology of students in a 3‐dimensional online learning environment versus those involved in face‐to‐face classroom instruction at the University of North Texas. We were interested in looking to see how the benefits of immersion, interaction and feedback provided by the 3‐dimensional onli...