Multi-User Virtual Environments (MUVEs) as Alternative Lifeworlds: Transformative Learning in Cyberspace

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 310-337
Author(s):  
Shantanu Tilak ◽  
Michael Glassman ◽  
Irina Kuznetcova ◽  
Joshua Peri ◽  
Qiannan Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Direct Instruction ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Critical Reflection ◽  
Learning Trajectories ◽  
Shared Purpose ◽  
Civil Discourse ◽  
Classroom Structures ◽  
Democratic Learning

Direct instruction (PowerPoint presentations, lectures) often imposes hierarchical classroom structures where the teachers are considered experts, imparting knowledge to passive learners. However, the emergence of tools like Multi-User Virtual Environments (MUVEs) encourages the creation of democratic learning environments. We hypothesize that these tools lead to higher degrees of civil discourse within the classroom and create transformative learning trajectories for students, allowing them to create shared purpose to incite social change. By comparing reflectivity displayed in weekly students’ blogging assignments in a classroom using an MUVE (Second Life), and one using direct instruction, we sought to gauge the effect MUVEs had on students’ reflectivity with the passage of time. Results indicated that MUVEs facilitated more critical reflection and transformative learning trajectories as compared to direct instruction frameworks.

Using Cyberspace to Promote Transformative Learning Experiences and Consequently Democracy in the Workplace

2011 ◽  
pp. 207-222
Author(s):  
William F. Ritke-Jones
Keyword(s):  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Small Group ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Critical Reflection ◽  
Corporate Training ◽  
Frames Of Reference ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Group Collaboration ◽  
Learning Practices ◽  
Ways Of Thinking

This chapter will explain transformative learning and its value and application to corporate training practices by promoting critical reflection on one’s “frames of reference.” This critical reflection can help one to challenge cultural and social assumptions, potentially leading the person to more democratic ways of thinking and behaving in the workplace. Cyberspace offers a unique and potentially powerful place to employ transformative learning practices, and along with explaining transformative learning, this chapter will explore how cyberspace can be used for this kind of learning. This chapter will also posit that new cyberspace environments such as Wiki’s and Second Life hold tremendous promise as transformative learning spaces because they invite small group collaboration.

A Typology for an Online Socrates Café

2016 ◽  
Vol 118 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-26
Author(s):  
Jody S. Piro ◽  
Gina Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Common Good ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
The United States ◽  
Habits Of Mind ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Integrative Framework ◽  
Civil Discourse ◽  
Democratic Learning

Background/Context Increased polarization of viewpoints in the United States may have detrimental consequences for democratic pedagogy. The goals of civil society require a reliance on democratic values, and active participation is necessary for a strong civil society that demands the common good be deliberated in democratic ways. Discussion as pedagogy has been advanced for furthering democratic learning spaces in higher education with adults and in teacher education programs. Opportunities to participate in democratic discussions may also be created in online courses to prepare students who are literate in multiculturalism and an inclusive society. Engaging students in discussion that facilitates diverse perspectives and that challenges taken-for-granted assumptions is necessary. Purpose This article explores the theoretical frameworks of a pedagogy of process called a Socrates Café, resulting in a typology for an online Socrates Café. This framework may assist instructors to create and sustain purposeful online discussion forums that engage students in deliberative discussion to develop democratic learning spaces and civil discourse. If democratic pedagogies are enhanced when people deliberate in online discussions by sharing their reasoning with each other, listening to competing points of view, considering new evidence, and treating one another as political equals, then the Socrates Café has much to offer as a pedagogical process. Research Design Drawing on scholarship from key pedagogical and dispositional components, this analytical essay offers a typology that finds its theoretical roots in several areas, including: philosophical forum, discussion and dialogue, critical inquiry, habits of mind, intellectual traits, critical reflection, and civil discourse. Findings/Results From both the pedagogical and dispositional components of the Socrates Café, we develop an integrative framework for guiding the creation and ongoing development of an online discussion. Our purpose in creating the framework was to determine those pedagogical and attitudinal dispositions that were foundational elements of the online Socrates Café: clarity of thinking and other habits of mind; attitudes of empathy, confidence, open mindedness and scholarliness; and questioning and dialogue. Conclusions/Recommendations This essay concludes that the online Socrates Café is fraught with unavoidable contradictions resulting in a pedagogy of process that is negotiated and dynamic, but also purposeful and intentional. The integrative framework proposed in this work assists students to examine who they are as scholars, practitioners, and members of a democratic society. The inherent tensions between the competing values that situate the Socrates Café make it a complex pedagogy that invites students to encounter issues that surpass the self and connect them with larger societal problems, enhancing the potential for discussions that are purposeful and result in an expansion of perspectives. Supporting students as they negotiate these and other contradictions and paradoxes in a functional Socrates Café has immense potential for facilitating democratic spaces in pedagogy for civil discourse.

Practitioner perspectives on learning for social change through non-formal global citizenship education

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor J Brown
Keyword(s):  
Social Justice ◽  
Social Change ◽  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Citizenship Education ◽  
Critical Reflection ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Global Citizenship ◽  
Small Individual ◽  
Global Citizenship Education ◽  
The Social

This article engages with debates about transformative learning and social change, exploring practitioner perspectives on non-formal education activities run by non-governmental organisations. The research looked at how global citizenship education practitioners met their organisation’s goals of change for social justice through educational activities. This education is sometimes criticised for promoting small individual changes in behaviour, which do not ultimately lead to the social justice to which it pertains to aim. Findings suggest that this non-formal education aims to provide information from different perspectives and generate critical reflection, often resulting in shifts in attitudes and behaviour. While the focus is often on small actions, non-formal spaces opened up by such education allow for networks to develop, which are key for more collective action and making links to social movements. Although this was rarely the focus of these organisations, it was these steps, often resulting from reflection as a group on personal actions, which carried potentially for social change.

scholarly journals Second life in healthcare education: Virtual environment's potential to improve patient safety

2011 ◽  
pp. 17-23
Keyword(s):  
Patient Safety ◽  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Medical Errors ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Improve Patient Safety ◽  
Healthcare Education ◽  
Healthcare Profession ◽  
Improve Patient

Research has shown that a large portion of healthcare cost is due to medical errors. There are many factors that cause medical errors but one major factor is linked to healthcare professionals who are not adequately trained with the appropriate skills. Virtual environments and simulations are being used to help improve training in many different areas, including the healthcare profession. This paper explores the usage of Second Life in healthcare education and its ability to improve patient safety. The conclusion is that much progress and development still needs to be made before Second Life will make a significant impact on improved patient safety through healthcare education. There is a need to make the virtual environment more realistic to adequately train healthcare professionals.

Educational Implications

2014 ◽  
pp. 361-388
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Classroom Environment ◽  
Visual Presentation ◽  
Virtual Education ◽  
Collaborative Virtual Environments ◽  
Science Approach ◽  
Approach To Teaching

An integrative art-science approach to teaching is described, involving imaging concepts about science, with three approaches to integration of art and science: 1) visual presentation of scientific concepts, 2) creating art by finding inspiration in a science-based topic, 3) learning visually for other courses taken concurrently by arranging data into a structured whole. The next part of the chapter is about several dimensions that seem important in blended and online learning regarding social networking and the collaborative virtual environments. Virtual education in a first life and a Second Life classroom environment is discussed next.

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