Engagement In Second Life Learning

Engagement in Second Life Learning Sarah “Intellagirl” Robbins Media Sauce.com Ball State University May 25, 2007 Second Life Best Practices Conference

Engagement : a student’s willingness to spend time and energy on learning

RQ1: What are the established measurements for engagement in education?
RQ2: According to these measurement tools, how well does Second Life facilitate engagement?

Defining the Problem
Drop out rates in online classes are 10-20% higher than in face to face classes (Carr)
75% of e-learners don’t finish their courses (Hogg)
Students involved in distance education report that they feel isolated and disconnected (Kerka, Twigg, Besser)

Chickering and Gamson: 7 Principles
Encourages contact between faculty and students
Develops reciprocity and cooperation among students
Encourages active learning
Gives prompt feedback
Emphasizes time on task
Communicates high expectations
Respects diverse talents and ways of learning

Rovia’s 7 Qualities
Transactional Distance
Social Presence
Social Equality
Small Group Activities
Group Facilitation
Teaching Style and Learning Stage
Community Size

Defining the Solution
Feeling part of a community of learners has a direct impact, not only on retention, but also on students’ perception of successful university experiences (Wellman, Wehlage)
How do we create a sense of community?

The Equation
Self-disclosure and bonding (Cutler)
Sharing enjoyable experiences (Duck)
Sharing public spaces (Goffman)
Mutual respect of differences (Graves, Gibbs)

1. Self-disclosure and bonding
Avatars allow for self-expression in “safe” ways
Spending casual time in a persistent spaces encourages students to get to know each other

2. Sharing Enjoyable Experiences
Experimentation
Collaboration
Fun!

3. Sharing Public Spaces
Persistent social spaces that avoid the “privileged space” view of learning
All of Second Life is a learning space
Student created spaces

4. Mutual Respect of Differences
Avatars allow us to express our differences in new ways
Flexible identity facilitates “difference experimentation”

Sarah “Intellagirl” Robbins
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Engagement In Second Life Learning

by Sarah Robbins on May 26, 2007

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