This document discusses using Legos in virtual and immersive learning environments. Legos have been successfully used as a metric in virtual worlds like Second Life for collaborative university projects. Virtual worlds can facilitate new adaptive learning environments using Legos. Lego Mindstorms introduces advanced technology into Lego building. Asynchronous and synchronous learning, teamwork, and collaboration are enabled through fusing Legos with instructional technologies. Various learning theories like constructivism, Bloom's taxonomy, and transformative learning relate to Lego-based learning approaches.

1. A Lego-lized World of Immersive
Learning Environments
Dr. Quiana Bradshaw, DCS
Grantham University
July 17, 2014

2. Lego Meets Virtual World Environment

3. Legos are being used in Virtual World
Environments
Legos are used as a metric and were successful when using in a
virtual world environment, such as Second Life. Experimental
collaborative projects were conducted at universities in both the
UK & Japan.

4. Virtual Worlds Facilitate Learning
Virtual world enables educational transformation of new learning
environments which supports inter-disciplinary learning
environments. Lego can be built to be adaptive within a virtual
world or immersive learning environment.

5. Lego-lized Emerging Technologies

6. Meet Lego Mindstorms
LEGO building system with the most advanced technology that
was developed for Lego users that enjoy that technological edge.
The new LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 set to create and
command Robots that walk, talk, think and do anything you can
imagine.

7. Lego’s Innovative Immersive Learning
Collaboration Efforts
Asynchronous Learning
Synchronous Learning
Teamwork
Collaboration

8. Fusing Lego with Instructional
Technologies
Instructional technologies can pave the way for the e-learning
environment. With much advancement in emerging technologies in
our growing society, it leaves room for taking education to the next
level. Learning should be essential but also interactive and fun while
doing so. The game design elements of the Lego use in a virtual
world environment process can be beneficial and ideal for learners
to increase their interactivity.

9. Lego-lized Learning

10. Andragogy Model
Adult education that utilizes the andragogy curriculum model shifts the
learning focus from the teacher to the learner is what emphasizes this theory.
In the online environment, learning styles are pertinent to enhance the college
learning experience.
There are many virtual platforms various colleges and universities use. Some
are Blackboard, Angel, Sakai, and eCollege among many other platforms have
structured their platform to manage the learning experience.

11. Constructivist Learning Theory
With this theory learners construct their own feeling
and knowledge on what they experience in the world.
So where does Lego-lized learning fit into that?

12. Benefits of Constructivist Learning in
Immersive Environments
Engagement
Creativity
Collaborative Learning
Immersive Facilitation

13. Bloom’s Taxonomy Model
The elements of Bloom’s Taxonomy model which involves 6
distinct elements.

14. Transformational Learning Theory
Transformative Learning is a theory of deep learning that goes
beyond just content knowledge acquisition, or learning
equations, or memorizing data applications.

15. Ubiquity of Transformational Learning

16. Lego-based Video Games

17. Legos in Virtual Worlds

18. Lego & Computer Science

19. Lego & Computer Science, (cont’d)
• Computer Science Students at the University of
Texas San Antonio are learning with Legos.
• Students were to build Lego robots and
advanced handy-boards were purchased for the
computer science students.

20. Conclusion
Using transformational learning with LEGOs will give educators
an idea on how to increase engagement, creativity, and
interaction among students. LEGO in immersive world
environments are ideal to use in the field of computer science.

21. References
• Lego Website (2014). Mindstorms. Retrieved July 17, 2014 from http://www.lego.com/en-us/mindstorms/products/ev3/31313-mindstorms-ev3/
• Lego Images (n.d.). Lego Images. Retrieved July 17, 2014 from
https://www.google.com/search?q=lego+images&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=cTbIU56oM7P98AG4roGYBQ&sqi=2&ved=0CBwQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=6
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• Martin. S. (2010). Learning spaces tasks and metrics for effective communication in Second Life within the context of programming Lego NXT Mindstorms robots-toward a
framework for design and implementation. Retrieved July 17, 2014 from
http://www.academia.edu/423051/Learning_spaces_tasks_and_metrics_for_effective_communication_in_Second_Life_within_the_context_of_programming_LEGO_NXT
_Mindstorms_robots-_towards_a_framework_for_design_and_implementation
• Quaver Music Blog (n.d.). Bloom Taxonomy picture. Retrieved July 17, 2014 from http://quavermusicblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/BloomsTaxonomy.png
• Second Life. (2014). About Second Life. Retrieved July 17, 2014 from http://secondlife.com/
• The University of Texas San Antonio (2014). UTSA Computer Science Students Learn with LEGOS. Retrieved July 17, 2014 from http://utsa.edu/today/2008/12/lego.cfm
• Thirteen Education Online Website (2004). What is Constructivism? Retrieved July 17, 2014 from http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/constructivism/
• Transformative Learning Theory. (n.d.) Core Principles. Retrieve July 17, 2014 from http://transformativelearningtheory.com/corePrinciples.html