Learning in a virtual world!
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This one-sentence document provides a web link for flexible learning in New South Wales, Australia at www.flexiblelearning.net.au/nsw. The link directs to information about online and distance education options for students in NSW.
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Learning in a virtual world!
Editor's Notes
- We created a “realist” virtual world which is educational – not a fanciful gaming environment. In it we use the communication, education and social tools where students can learn in an immersive environment, build skills and confidence along with having fun. This 3D computer based simulation environment links students from Lithgow to Broken Hill into one class group where they learn, undertake tasks & activities together as well as socialise in real time. They can walk, fly or teleport around the virtual world to participate in classes, tutorials, group discussions, role plays, research, interviews and have fun with their friends. They can undertake group tasks together as a class or in small break out groups. Then in class break can hang out together, no matter where they are physically located geographically. Students who previously had to undertake their training on their own in isolation, can now belong to a cohort of learners undertaking the same training at the same time in the same virtual space. They can communicate with both voice chat & instant messaging. They even have the ability to communicate non verbally by their avatars appearance, gestures and animations.
- This 3D computer based simulation environment links students from Lithgow to Broken Hill into one class group where they learn, undertake tasks & activities together as well as socialise in real time. They can walk, fly or teleport around the virtual world to participate in classes, tutorials, group discussions, role plays, research, interviews and have fun with their friends. They can undertake group tasks together as a class or in small break out groups. Then in class break can hang out together, no matter where they are physically located geographically. Students who previously had to undertake their training on their own in isolation, can now belong to a cohort of learners undertaking the same training at the same time in the same virtual space. They can communicate with both voice chat & instant messaging. They even have the ability to communicate non verbally by their avatars appearance, gestures and animations.
- The teachers and learners interact in real time Its accessible with a computer with a decent video card and broadband internet access with relevant support. Some of these IT issues can be a challenge especially the firewall and filtering policies. It’s a challenge we are still experiencing but to achieve the outcome we desire, we will persevere.
- This is a learning environment where they become excited & enthusiastic about what they are doingStudents who are geographically isolated coming together in one learning space – a new version of distance edSo engrossed in their learning they did not want to stop … but … but .. Role plays that work .. Students demonstrated the skill & understanding that showed they were work ready. They walked the walk and talked the talk.
- Just because we have technology, does not mean we engage them. Its how we use the technology
- Engage a knowledgeable, skilled consultant to guide you through the process – there is so much you don’t know and don’t know what it is you don’t know. Have the IT team onside Be prepared to think laterallyKnow the content of what you are delivering & be able to make that content interesting and engaging. Make sure you have lots as they work through it at a far greater rate than you will anticipate. Sloodle quiz tools to the rescue. Be selective with your target group. They need to be interested in computers & have reasonable digital literacy.
- Allow time for them to play at the start … if you can make the learning part of the play – all the better. They need to learn to exist in this new environment just as you do, so allow time for this to happen.Be prepared that the teacher will need their own tech support and that tech support will need a higher order of tech support as well.