A Richer Blend: Integrating web-based and 3D virtual learning environments Daniel Livingstone University of Paisley

Learning Support in VLEs Different learning environments provide very different support VLEs typically include: Asynchronous & synchronous discussion Document sharing/submissions Assessments Ability to integrate learning objects Management tools/tracking

Different learning environments provide very different support

VLEs typically include:

Asynchronous & synchronous discussion

Document sharing/submissions

Assessments

Ability to integrate learning objects

Management tools/tracking

Affordances of 3D MUVEs ‘ Presence’ Exploration, discovery (Experiential Learning) Synchronous work Shared experiences, discussion (Constructivist Learning) Second Life (& Open Croquet) Imagining, developing & sharing own creations (Constructionist Learning) Potentially: Distracting, Confusing, Hard to Navigate

‘ Presence’

Exploration, discovery (Experiential Learning)

Synchronous work

Shared experiences, discussion (Constructivist Learning)

Second Life (& Open Croquet)

Imagining, developing & sharing own creations (Constructionist Learning)

Potentially: Distracting, Confusing, Hard to Navigate

Blended Learning with 3D virtual worlds Case study: Collaborative Virtual Environments Students from Animation/Game Technology backgrounds High percentage f-2-f blended learning delivery (nominally a standard campus based delivery) Distance elements: Remote teamwork, guest lectures & tuition, tutorials, some lectures Coursework: Blogs, group Wikis, group project in Second Life

Case study: Collaborative Virtual Environments

Students from Animation/Game Technology backgrounds

High percentage f-2-f blended learning delivery (nominally a standard campus based delivery)

Distance elements: Remote teamwork, guest lectures & tuition, tutorials, some lectures

Coursework: Blogs, group Wikis, group project in Second Life

Issues Assumed technically proficient audience would be adept at self-starting in MUVE environment Virtual world too open-ended, lacks obvious goals, rich social & technical environment Assumed students would develop own ideas for projects A lot to take in; Students floundered until more specific project ideas were suggested Surprise: Biggest resistance was to blogs Technical issues Learning support in MUVE

Assumed technically proficient audience would be adept at self-starting in MUVE environment

Virtual world too open-ended, lacks obvious goals, rich social & technical environment

Assumed students would develop own ideas for projects

A lot to take in; Students floundered until more specific project ideas were suggested

Surprise: Biggest resistance was to blogs

Technical issues

Learning support in MUVE

Sloodle Integrate 3D & web based learning environments to provide more effective learning support in 3D virtual worlds Open Source Tools to support reflection, asynchronous communication, assessment, user management

Integrate 3D & web based learning environments to provide more effective learning support in 3D virtual worlds

Open Source

Tools to support reflection, asynchronous communication, assessment, user management

Approaches to integration The 3D classroom Original conception UI integration The Sloodle toolbar The Rich 3D Learning Environment Learning & assessment built into a rich 3D interactive virtual landscape

The 3D classroom

Original conception

UI integration

The Sloodle toolbar

The Rich 3D Learning Environment

Learning & assessment built into a rich 3D interactive virtual landscape

The 3D Classroom

Sloodle Toolbar

ChatCast/Bridge

Summary Second Life can work well in a blended learning environment Technical issues; User Acceptance Need for external applications to support learning experience Currently a mix and match collection of web-technologies Sloodle aims to provide integrated support and management features to educators and learners

Second Life can work well in a blended learning environment

Technical issues; User Acceptance

Need for external applications to support learning experience

Currently a mix and match collection of web-technologies

Sloodle aims to provide integrated support and management features to educators and learners

Sloodle Architecture Moodle DB Moodle Php Sloodle Php HTTP Web Browser Second Life LSL Object Moodle/Sloodle Web-server