Scaffolding Discovery Learning In 3D Virtual Environments

2010 ◽  
pp. 138-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark J.W. Lee ◽  
Barney Dalgarno
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Discovery Learning ◽  
Chemistry Laboratory ◽  
Mediated Learning ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
3D Virtual Environment ◽  
3D Virtual Environments ◽  
3D Virtual Learning Environments

This chapter examines the importance of and possibilities for providing learner support and scaffolding in 3D virtual learning environments designed to promote and encourage learner exploration and discovery. The chapter begins with an overview of the need for scaffolding in discovery learning, before discussing scaffolding in technology-mediated learning environments. A framework is presented for understanding the types of scaffolding that can be provided in such environments. Using a case study based on the design of a 3D Virtual Chemistry Laboratory, examples illustrating the way each category of scaffolding within the framework could be provided within a 3D virtual environment are presented. The chapter concludes with coverage of the key considerations in designing scaffolded 3D virtual environments, as well as some of the important issues in adapting the concepts of scaffolding from face-to-face to technology-mediated environments.

Usability Evaluation of an Adaptive 3D Virtual Learning Environment

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Ewais ◽  
Olga De Troyer
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Virtual Learning ◽  
Individualized Instruction ◽  
Virtual Learning Environment ◽  
Learning Goals ◽  
Teaching Approaches ◽  
3D Virtual Environment ◽  
3D Virtual Environments ◽  
3D Virtual Learning Environments

Using 3D virtual environments for educational purposes is becoming attractive because of their rich presentation and interaction capabilities. Furthermore, dynamically adapting the 3D virtual environment to the personal preferences, prior knowledge, skills and competence, learning goals, and the personal or (social) context in which the learning takes place becomes interesting, as there is a bulk of research demonstrating that individualized instruction is superior to the uniform approach of more traditional and one-size-fits-all teaching approaches. However, although such adaptive 3D Virtual Learning Environments (3D VLE) seem to be promising, this needs to be evaluated in practice. Usability of adaptive 3D VLE could be a problem since the user interface could become relatively complex. In this paper, the authors describe an experiment performed to validate the issues of usability and acceptability of an adaptive 3D VLE. This pilot evaluation reveals some important recommendations and improvements.

The Affordances of 3D Virtual Learning Environments

2019 ◽  
pp. 106-123
Author(s):  
Hisae Matsui ◽  
Terence C. Ahern
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Virtual Learning ◽  
Virtual Learning Environments ◽  
Initial Stage ◽  
American Students ◽  
3D Virtual Learning Environments

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.

The Affordances of 3D Virtual Learning Environments

2018 ◽  
pp. 92-109
Author(s):  
Hisae Matsui ◽  
Terence C. Ahern
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Virtual Learning ◽  
Virtual Learning Environments ◽  
Initial Stage ◽  
American Students ◽  
3D Virtual Learning Environments

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.

The Promise of Protocols in the Virtual Classroom

2021 ◽  
pp. 812-836
Author(s):  
Harriette Thurber Rasmussen ◽  
Amy Baeder ◽  
Margaret A. Hunter ◽  
Jane Chadsey
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environments ◽  
Professional Learning ◽  
Virtual Classroom ◽  
Learner Engagement ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Engagement Strategies ◽  
Learner Centered ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Professional Learning Network

Learner engagement in online learning environments tends to be erratic and dependent upon the learners themselves, not necessarily fostered by the macrostructures that house the virtual classroom. Protocols—which the authors term microstructures—can bring engagement strategies traditionally seen in face-to-face classrooms to the virtual world of online adult learning. This chapter explores how the use of microstructures supports learner-centered engagement, illustrated through a case study of a successful virtual professional learning network. This chapter also introduces the concept of accountability for participation, its role in creating engaged learners, and how microstructures can foster the psychological safety required for high levels of engagement and performance in the virtual classroom.

Through the Eyes of Students and Faculty

2016 ◽  
pp. 557-584
Author(s):  
Maysaa Barakat ◽  
Debra N. Weiss-Randall
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Educational Leadership ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Research University ◽  
Attrition Rates ◽  
Face To Face

Online enrollments have been growing substantially faster than overall higher education enrollments. It is argued that online learning can help address issues of educational inequity, poverty, and social exclusion. The momentum is moving towards online learning, and universities are pressured to develop more online options for their students in order to stay relevant and provide needed flexibility. On average, courses that are delivered online have higher attrition rates than regular face-to-face courses. There are numerous challenges and difficulties in developing online learning environments without sacrificing the quality of learning. This case study examines the development, delivery, and evaluation of online learning through the eyes of students and faculty of an educational leadership department in a Southeast research university.

Online Interaction Styles

2010 ◽  
pp. 138-149
Author(s):  
Dazhi Yang ◽  
Jennifer C. Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environments ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Mediated Learning ◽  
Online Interaction ◽  
Interaction Style ◽  
Interaction Styles ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Vicarious Interaction ◽  
Active Interaction

Past studies indicate that students demonstrate different online interaction styles, which consist of the ways or habits students acquire knowledge from computer-mediated discussions (Sutton, 2001). Such interaction styles include the active interaction style (Beaudion, 2002), the vicarious interaction style (Sutton, 2001), and the mixed or balanced-interaction style. The purposes of this chapter are to: (1) examine relative studies on students’ online interaction styles; (2) propose a hypothesis that students’ online interaction styles can change during the course of computer-mediated discussion; (3) conduct a case study on students’ online interaction styles to test the hypothesis. This chapter reviews current issues related to students’ online interaction styles. It offers practical suggestions on the design of online learning environments, instructor’s role in online courses, and educational tools to facilitate students in adapting to more active interaction styles in computer-mediated learning environments.

The Promise of Protocols in the Virtual Classroom

2018 ◽  
pp. 241-263
Author(s):  
Harriette Thurber Rasmussen ◽  
Amy Baeder ◽  
Margaret A. Hunter ◽  
Jane Chadsey
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environments ◽  
Professional Learning ◽  
Virtual Classroom ◽  
Learner Engagement ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Engagement Strategies ◽  
Learner Centered ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Professional Learning Network

Learner engagement in online learning environments tends to be erratic and dependent upon the learners themselves, not necessarily fostered by the macrostructures that house the virtual classroom. Protocols—which the authors term microstructures—can bring engagement strategies traditionally seen in face-to-face classrooms to the virtual world of online adult learning. This chapter explores how the use of microstructures supports learner-centered engagement, illustrated through a case study of a successful virtual professional learning network. This chapter also introduces the concept of accountability for participation, its role in creating engaged learners, and how microstructures can foster the psychological safety required for high levels of engagement and performance in the virtual classroom.

The Benefits and Unanticipated Challenges in the Use of 3D Virtual Learning Environments in the Undergraduate Media Arts Curriculum

2010 ◽  
pp. 236-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise Wood
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environments ◽  
Generation Y ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Undergraduate Curriculum ◽  
Media Arts ◽  
Arts Curriculum ◽  
Virtual Classes ◽  
International Experts ◽  
3D Virtual Environments ◽  
3D Virtual Learning Environments

This chapter describes the benefits as well as the unanticipated challenges in engaging undergraduates in immersive experiences within the 3D virtual environment, Second Life. The chapter draws on trials of three undergraduate courses in which students attended virtual classes and undertook media-related activities in Second Life. International experts conducted synchronous virtual guest presentations in all three courses. Media arts students designed immersive games using Second Life tools and the final-year students created virtual portfolios. The findings from student evaluations suggest both benefits and challenges in the use of 3D virtual environments in the undergraduate curriculum. In discussing these findings, the author challenges assumptions about the readiness of ‘Generation Y’ students to adapt easily to such learning environments. The final section of thechapter outlines proposed strategies for addressing the identified challenges.

scholarly journals Promoting Cooperation and Collaboration in a Web-based Learning Environment

10.28945/2723 ◽  
2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fay Sudweeks
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Critical Elements ◽  
Course Materials ◽  
Web Based Learning ◽  
Collaborative Activities

Web-based learning environments provide an attractive method for information dissemination, but in many instances they can be just electronic equivalents of printed course materials. Appropriate learning objectives and pedgagogical strategies are minimal or non-existent. Too often web-based learning environments lack cooperative and collaborative activities with the unintended consequence of feelings of social isolation. This paper describes a case study in which critical elements of online learning settings (Oliver, 2001) were implemented along with essential attributes for effective teamwork. Analyses of student que stionnaires indicate that students gained significant benefits from the instructional design of both the learning environment and the collaborative activity - without meeting face-to-face.

scholarly journals From ‘Good Teaching’ to ‘Better Teaching’: One Academic’s Journey to Online Teaching

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan Paul Bentley ◽  
Benjamin A Kehrwald
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environments ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Mode Of Delivery ◽  
Learning Technologies ◽  
Good Teaching ◽  
Online Learning Environments ◽  
Approach To Learning ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Face To Face

For many educators, the adoption of learning technologies as part of a ‘technology-enhanced’ approach to learning and teaching implies change. Technology takes on a disruptive role. Therefore, it is important to understand the pedagogical commitments associated with current practices in order to better understand any change implied by the use of particular technology ‘enhancements’. This article reports on a case study of the change experienced by one tertiary educator in the shift from successful on campus to flexible online teaching in an undergraduate Numeracy course. The study addresses the question: How do teaching academics translate a robust, proven on-campus course into a successful, flexibly delivered technology-enhanced course? The case employs an autoethnographic approach to recording and analysing the educator’s experiences to highlight comparisons between on-campus (face-to-face) and online teaching practices. The findings support the conclusion that ‘good teaching is good teaching’, based on sound pedagogical principles, regardless of the mode of delivery, but that the enactment of those principles in face-to-face and online learning environments differs in significant ways.

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