Virtual Learning Environments for a New Teaching Methodology

2019 ◽  
pp. 226-241
Author(s):  
Iolanda Caponata ◽  
Anna Pietra Ferraro

The potential and new educational perspectives offered by virtual environments are the arguments with which you want to highlight the opportunity, through the experience of the simulation offered by environments such SecondLife®, to organize and expand the involvement and motivation of pupils through active participation. It will be explained, in detail, how to plan a lesson in SecondLife® after having designed and built a learning environment by creating Holodeck, Teleport, Script, and the use of numerous Tools needed to implement a teaching unit.

Author(s):  
Iolanda Caponata ◽  
Anna Pietra Ferraro

The potential and new educational perspectives offered by virtual environments are the arguments with which you want to highlight the opportunity, through the experience of the simulation offered by environments such SecondLife®, to organize and expand the involvement and motivation of pupils through active participation. It will be explained, in detail, how to plan a lesson in SecondLife® after having designed and built a learning environment by creating Holodeck, Teleport, Script, and the use of numerous Tools needed to implement a teaching unit.


2019 ◽  
pp. 106-123
Author(s):  
Hisae Matsui ◽  
Terence C. Ahern

The purpose of this chapter is to examine participants' perceived affordances of three-dimensional virtual learning environments (3D VLEs) in developing interpersonal emotional connections with their partners during the initial stage of the virtual exchange. To fulfill the purpose, two Japanese and two American students were paired and participated in sessions within two differently designed virtual environments using the same 3D virtual application. The results indicate that the participants tend to find avatars useful as a cue that helps in recalling previous conversations and in avoiding long silences. Additionally, the affordances of the 3D VLEs heightened the experience of co-presence. However, for non-native speakers, this experience also created increased anxiety. Finally, the results show the affordances affected the participants much more strongly during the first several sessions but were mitigated by other factors as the sessions continued.


Author(s):  
Hisae Matsui ◽  
Terence C. Ahern

The purpose of this chapter is to examine participants' perceived affordances of three-dimensional virtual learning environments (3D VLEs) in developing interpersonal emotional connections with their partners during the initial stage of the virtual exchange. To fulfill the purpose, two Japanese and two American students were paired and participated in sessions within two differently designed virtual environments using the same 3D virtual application. The results indicate that the participants tend to find avatars useful as a cue that helps in recalling previous conversations and in avoiding long silences. Additionally, the affordances of the 3D VLEs heightened the experience of co-presence. However, for non-native speakers, this experience also created increased anxiety. Finally, the results show the affordances affected the participants much more strongly during the first several sessions but were mitigated by other factors as the sessions continued.


Author(s):  
Francisco Villa Ulhôa Botelho ◽  
Rosa Maria Vicari

The general objectives of this study are: to analyze significant indicators for assessment of the effectiveness of Distance Learning (DL) courses; to check the extent to which such effectiveness is related to the quality of interactive processes; to examine characteristic elements of individuals’ conversations while they interact in study groups within virtual environments, with a view to contributing toward the effectiveness of DL courses; the development of a methodology for assessing the effectiveness of distance learning courses. Results confirm the importance of the context, the teacher, and learning-group variables for the effectiveness of distance courses. They also illustrate the relevance of certain speech features of students and teachers in virtual learning environments that generate conversational dynamics and contribute toward meeting the goals of DL courses.


Author(s):  
Pooja Siddharth Sukhdeve

Technology is ever-changing and ever-growing. One of the newest developing technologies is augmented reality (AR), which can be applied to many different existing technologies, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. This chapter discusses the immersive learning process and the usage of AR into a simulated or in an artificial environment. Discussed is the background information on how the AR use in educational industries and the design process of AR immersive learning environment. The chapter also evaluates the benefits if immersive learning and AR.


2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 347-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
İlknur Reisoğlu ◽  
Yüksel Göktaş

This study aims at developing Community of Inquiry Model scale for 3 Dimensional virtual learning environments. 51 items were developed for the scale from the literature review based on the characteristics of a virtual learning environment which was developed for winter sports in a 3D environment. The items were reviewed by field and language experts. A pilot study was conducted with 15 students. In 3D virtual winter sports learning environment, 260 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students practiced and then the scale was implemented on them. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were carried out on the obtained data. At the end of the analyses, it was confirmed that the scale was comprised of three factors that are teaching, social and cognitive presence, and explained 57.80% of the variance and Cronbach alpha coefficient was .96. In confirmatory factor analyses conducted with three-factor structure that are teaching, social and cognitive presence, goodness of fit indexes before any modifications made on the model were as follows; [χ2/df=1.59 (p=.00); RMSEA= .07; GFI= .80; AGFI= .76; CFI=.99; NFI= .97; SRMR= .05].


Author(s):  
Edilma Leonor DÍAZ GUTIÉRREZ ◽  
Andrea Catherine ALARCÓN ALDANA ◽  
Mauro CALLEJAS CUERVO

Resumen La calidad de un producto software aborda distintos aspectos, entre ellos la usabilidad, y al evaluarla, se afrontan algunas dificultades, como el desconocimiento de los atributos a evaluar, las características de los usuarios y objetivo del producto evaluado; en el caso de entornos virtuales de aprendizaje, deben permitir el desarrollo de procesos de incorporación de habilidades y saberes teniendo en cuenta quesus usuarios tienen distintos grados de conocimiento, edades e intereses, pertenecen a múltiples disciplinas y acceden desde distintos dispositivos. Dichas diferencias hacen que el proceso de evaluación de usabilidad de un entorno virtual de aprendizaje tenga unas características propias. Actualmente no existe un consenso en cuanto a los aspectos que se consideran para establecer factores de usabilidad en métodos de evaluación de calidad, lo cual motiva la construcción de otro tipo deaplicaciones web que dejan de lado aspectos propios de este factor, conllevando a que sean los usuarios quienes se adaptan a las características de la WebApp y no como debiera ser. Considerando lo anterior, se realizó un estudio de trabajos previos, modelos, normas y estándares de calidad, que permitieron analizar los principales atributos de usabilidad de las aplicaciones web y enfáticamente de los entornos virtuales de aprendizaje. Palabras Claves:modelo, estándar, usabilidad, entorno virtual de aprendizaje, calidad.   Abstract Software quality deals with different aspects. One of them is usability. However, it has been quite challenging to assess due to the lack of knowledge of its features. Besides, software usability is also related to its aim and target users. For instance, virtual learning environments should enhance abilities and knowledge integration. Its users have different knowledge levels, ages, interests, background and technological device access. Then, virtual learning environment assessment varies according to its own features and currently, there is a lack of consensus around setting usability principles in quality assessment methods. As a result, web applications and designing tend to overlook this aspect. Then, users have to adapt to WebApp features rather than the reverse. Therefore, this article aims at showing the study of previous works, models, norms and quality standards leading to the analysis of usability principles referring to web applications and virtual learning environments. Keywords: model, standard, usability, virtual learning environment, quality.


2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margarita R. Rodríguez Gallego ◽  
Antonia López Martínez

<p>Cada vez son más demandadas las plataformas virtuales apoyadas en el concepto web 2.0 y en las Redes Personales de Aprendizaje (PLN) al garantizar la conversación entre agentes educativos y la colaboración orientada a la producción conjunta de conocimiento.</p><p>Desde este punto de vista, surgieron los Entornos Virtuales de Aprendizaje (VLE) dónde se configuran, integran y combinan nuevas aplicaciones adaptadas a las necesidades de los usuarios.</p><p>El propósito final de esta experiencia es la creación de un entorno virtual compartido para lograr que el aprendizaje no se vincule exclusivamente a una actividad memorística y que a través del uso combinado de la plataforma virtual, herramientas de la web 2.0 y la red social los estudiantes puedan crear su propio espacio de trabajo en el que quede reflejado la búsqueda y transformación de la información, creación de recursos para el aprendizaje y tareas de colaboración.</p><p>Nuestro entorno virtual de aprendizaje compartido ha sido puesto a prueba, implementado y evaluado durante el segundo cuatrimestre, en el marco de la asignatura Didáctica General en la Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación de la Universidad de Sevilla (España) durante el curso académico 2009-2010.</p><p>Una encuesta efectuada revela hechos interesantes sobre el éxito de este entorno virtual compartido en relación con la motivación y los resultados de aprendizaje de los estudiantes. </p><p> </p><p><strong>ABSTRACT</strong></p><p class="REDUTITULOINGLES"><em><strong><span lang="GL">Shared virtual learning environments in higher education.</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span></strong></em></p><p>There is an increasing demand for virtual platforms based on the concept of Web 2.0 and on Personal Learning Networks (PLN) as these guarantee conversations between educational agents and cooperation aimed at the joint knowledge production.</p><p>From this point of view, Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) have emerged in which new applications adapted to users’ needs are configured, integrated and combined.</p><p>The ultimate purpose of this experience is the creation of a shared virtual environment to ensure that learning is not linked exclusively to rote activity. Through the combined use of the virtual platform, Web 2.0 tools and social networking, students can create their own workspace in which the search and processing of information, as well as the creation of learning resources and collaboration tasks are reflected.</p><p>Our shared virtual learning environment has been tested, implemented and evaluated in the second semester, as part of the General Teaching Methodology course in the Faculty of Education at the University of Seville (Spain) during the 2009 – 2010 academic year.</p><p>A survey reveals interesting facts about the success of the shared virtual environment in relation to the motivation and learning outcomes of students.</p><p> </p>


2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Lynn Walker

This article will present the process and the curricular and pedagogical lessons learned from adding a 3D virtual learning environment to an online course in a distance and hybrid education master’s degree program. Based on student surveys, course evaluations, and faculty interviews, the author will summarize attitudes and expectations from the varied stakeholders and offer practical recommendations on the design and delivery of an effective virtual world learning environment in an online course. The author is involved in developing 3D virtual learning environments and integrating their use in graduate level counseling courses in traditional, blended, and online master’s programs. In the fall of 2007, the author began the process of incorporating the virtual world Second Life into an online counseling skills and techniques course in the Human Services Counseling Program at Regent University. The course objectives consisted of teaching graduate level students expertise such as clinical counseling skills and techniques. One of the critical competencies, the student’s ability to demonstrate the basic counseling skills needed to be an effective counselor including attending, listening, empathy, warmth, and respect, was very difficult to teach and evaluate from a distance. In the past, program instructors have taught online and blended courses with the asynchronous learning environment Blackboard and the synchronous technologies, Skype and Instant Messenger. With the use of new learning environments, such as 3D virtual learning environments, the author hoped to provide the instructors and students with an environment more conducive to developing effective counseling skills. The author implemented the virtual learning environment – a simulated counseling facility and tested the virtual counseling facility’s use as an innovative learning environment for simulation of student counseling sessions. This article will discuss the author’s personal experiences as well as the empirical research collected during this case study. Given the potential for significant growth in the use of virtual learning objects, this article should provide useful information for instructors and administrators considering virtual environments as a means of teaching practical skills at a distance in online programs.


Author(s):  
Jean-Eric Pelet ◽  
Benoît Lecat

The authors’ research examines the effectiveness of a web-based virtual learning environment (VLE) in the context of management studies. This article provides two main contributions. First, an exploratory study introduces and describes the concept of VLE applied to the training of seven students in an “interactivity design” (IS) course. Second, a confirmatory study conducted with 168 students in management presents a framework of VLE application in the context of management courses (MS). Results indicate that in the context of management studies, singular differences in the knowledge of VLEs exist between low/high skilled students. Even if a VLE can benefit skilled students, low skilled students must first understand and appreciate the full meaning of VLEs. A VLE leads to good training of students in IS courses. However, its existence must be communicated more intensively in the context of managerial studies. Furthermore, these students will need to be trained before achieving a sufficient level of competency to be able to manage projects using Second Life (SL).


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