Multimedia and virtual reality in educational environments

The multimedia and the virtual reality involve a number of diverse technologies. Applications include entertainment, education and advertising. The aim of this paper is to introduce some different examples of the use of these technologies in the educational field. We will also refer on two different applications of multimedia technologies at the Academy of Architecture, University of Italian Switzerland (USI, Switzerland). First example, named Mathematical Thought Project, is an attempt to organize a course of mathematics using multimedia solutions. It intends to create a course of mathematics conceived for a faculty of architecture, and to provide an introduction to basic facets of mathematical thought (logic, algebra, geometry, topology, analysis and stochastic) with its connections between architecture and arts. Second example, named Mathematics and Territory Project, intends to describe an active use of the virtual reality in the reconstruction of the territory and landscapes.