Learning in virtual worlds : research and applications / edited by Sue Gregory [and three others].

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Edited by Sue Gregory, Mark J.W. Lee, Barney Dalgarno, and Belinda Tynan

Contributor:

Gregory, Sue, editor.

Series:

Issues in distance education series.

Issues in Distance Education

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Virtual reality in education.

Shared virtual environments.

Human-computer interaction.

Second Life (Computer game).

Physical Description:

1 online resource (288 pages) : digital file(s).

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Athabasca University Press 2016

Edmonton, Alberta : AU Press, 2016.

Language Note:

English

System Details:

text file

Summary:

Three-dimensional (3D) immersive virtual worlds have been touted as being capable of facilitating highly interactive, engaging, multimodal learning experiences. Much of the evidence gathered to support these claims has been anecdotal but the potential that these environments hold to solve traditional problems in online and technology-mediated education—primarily learner isolation and student disengagement—has resulted in considerable investments in virtual world platforms like Second Life, Open Simulator, and Open Wonderland by both professors and institutions. To justify this ongoing and sustained investment, institutions and proponents of simulated learning environments must assemble a robust body of evidence that illustrates the most effective use of this powerful learning tool. In this authoritative collection, a team of international experts outline the emerging trends and developments in the use of 3D virtual worlds for teaching and learning. They explore aspects of learner interaction with virtual worlds, such as user wayfinding in Second Life, communication modes and perceived presence, and accessibility issues for elderly or disabled learners. They also examine advanced technologies that hold potential for the enhancement of learner immersion and discuss best practices in the design and implementation of virtual world-based learning interventions and tasks. By evaluating and documenting different methods, approaches, and strategies, the contributors to Learning in Virtual Worlds offer important information and insight to both scholars and practitioners in the field.

Contents:

Prologue

Foreword

Section 1: Human-Computer Interaction. Chapter 1: Navigation and Wayfinding in Learning Spaces in 3D Virtual Worlds / Shailey Minocha and Christopher Hardy

Chapter 2: Communication Modality, Learning, and Second Life / Stephany F. Wilkes

Chapter 3: Virtual Body: Implications for Identity, Interaction, and Didactics / Laura Fedeli

Chapter 4: (In)Accessible Learning in Virtual Worlds / Robert L. Todd, Jessica Pater, and Paul M. A. Baker

Chapter 5: Benefits of Second Life in the Ageing Population / Ann Smith

Chapter 6: The Reality of Authentic Learning in Virtual Worlds / Helen S. Farley

Section 2: Advanced Technology. Chapter 7: Conversational Agents in Second Life: Freudbot / Bob Heller, Mike Procter, and Corbin Rose

Chapter 8: Virtual Bots, Their Influence on Virtual Worlds, and How They Can Increase Interactivity and Immersion through VirtualPREX / Torsten Reiners, Sue Gregory, and Vicki Knox

Section 3: Learning Design and Implementation. Chapter 9: Analyzing Teaching Practices in Second Life: A Design Taxonomy for the Implementation of Workshops in Virtual Worlds / Steven Warburton and Margarita Perez Garcia

Chapter 10: Netconnect Virtual Worlds: Results of a Learning Experience / Francesca Bertacchini and Assunta Tavernise

Chapter 11: Scaffolding Learning Through the Use of Virtual Worlds / Chris Campbell and Leanne Cameron

Chapter 12: Challenges and Strategies in Designing Cross-National Learning: Team Projects in Virtual Worlds / Paul Resta and Miri Shonfeld

Chapter 13: Introduction to Laws Relevant to Virtual Worlds in Higher Education / Layla F. Tabatabaie

Epilogue.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Includes index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9781771991353

1771991356

9781771991346

1771991348

OCLC:

930542263