Using 3D Models in E-Learning #347

Using 3D Models in E-Learning #347: Challenge | Recap

Challenge of the Week

This week, your challenge is to share an example that uses 3D models. Your demo can be interactive or static. You can use 3D assets already created so don’t feel like you have to learn to build in 3D this week.

If you’re new to 3D, that’s okay. We have a few users in the community who regularly work with programs like Blender and SketchUp. Post your questions and we’ll try to get you the help you need.

For those of you who intend to learn to build your own models this week, try to keep things simple. You don’t want to lose your time trying to build a teapot (inside joke for 3D Max users).

Interactive Video Using 3D Models in PowerPoint

Tom recently posted some fantastic tutorials on how he used the PowerPoint's 3D model library  (requires Office 365) to create interactive videos. This is super easy to create in PowerPoint and make interactive using Storyline’s triggers and slide layers.

Learn more about this effect and how to create it

Using 3D Images to Create Interactions

Here’s a good example of how a series of static images can be used from a 3D model.

View the project | David Tait

Guess what? You don't have to work with 3D models to use 3D graphics. Sites like PixelSquid offer asset libraries that feature rendered models that can be downloaded as individual images. To create the rotating effect like David created, you would need to download a series of images for each step in the rotation.

View PixelSquid

Free 3D Modeling Applications

The easiest way to get started working with 3D would be to use PowerPoint’s 3D models if you have an Office 365 subscription. Since the models are already built, you can easily insert, rotate, and export the models from within PowerPoint.

Here are a few sites that offer free and popular modeling programs:

• Tinkercad
• Blender
• SketchUp
• Unity

Know of some other free 3D modeling programs? Let me know know in the comments and I’ll update the list.

Resources

• How to Create a Video with 3D Models in PowerPoint
• How to Create Interactive Videos with 3D Models in Storyline

Last Week’s Challenge:

Before you dive into this week’s challenge, check out the creative ways course designers are using anthropomorphic characters in e-learning:

Anthropomorphic Characters in E-Learning RECAP #346: Challenge | Recap

New to the E-Learning Challenges?

The weekly e-learning challenges are ongoing opportunities to learn, share, and build your e-learning portfolios. You can jump into any or all of the previous challenges anytime you want. I’ll update the recap posts to include your demos.