Virtual collaboration technologies for action learning

Virtual Collaboration Technologies for Action Learning

IFAL Conference London
27 October 2011
David Wortley FRSA
www.davidwortley.com

Immersive Technology Strategies

Potential Opportunities to use Action Learning

Action learning can be a useful, even revelatory, experience
at times of change, when it is necessary to look at new ways
of doing things.

Similarly, action learning is likely to be helpful when we are
faced with major challenges or when we need new
perspectives, not only on the external situations or issues as
presented but also on our internal selves and our working
relationships.


Described Benefits

There is vast potential to explore our work, our selves, our
self-awareness and our responsibilities. People often say that
action learning simply gives them the time and space they
aren’t normally able to find.

With the objective challenge and support of the group, set
members are able to create an objective narrative around
issues. They can refer back to this and learn from it, not only
from the exploration of the issue itself but from the flushing
out of any underlying assumptions and mental models which
may or may not have been helpful.


Virtual Environments
New Ways of Doing Things

 Teleconferencing
 Virtual Classrooms
 Skype
 Virtual Worlds
 What’s Next


Virtual Environments / Worlds
in Perspective


Virtual Worlds are NOT New


Virtual Worlds


Virtual Worlds Facilitation

The good guide / mentor / facilitator unlocks
the potential of virtual worlds


Virtual Worlds and Learning

UK Teacher Tim Rylands uses Myst as a virtual
world catalyst to teach literacy


What Virtual Worlds do for us
 Encourage imagination
 Support exploration
 Create opportunities
 Help understanding
 Engage our interest
 Develop networks
 Build relationships
 Save travel costs


Teleconferencing

Very cheap and easy to set up but what are the
advantages and challenges ?


Virtual Classroom

Adds video and graphics plus text chat and breakout facilities
what are the benefits and challenges ?


Skype and Instant Messaging

Skype, Windows Messenger and Facebook provide tools to
connect individuals and groups


Virtual Worlds

Meet in an immersive virtual space with your own avatar
What are the benefits and challenges ?


New Kids on the Block

Google is combining social networking with virtual meeting
spaces for “hang-outs”


Virtual Environments / Worlds
Challenges and Opportunities


Trust

How do virtual environments affect trust and perception ?


Common Understanding ?

Do virtual worlds bring new challenges to learning ?


Necessary Skills

Can bringing together multiple disciplines and
backgrounds add to the action learning experience ?


Visualising Data

Does the ability to visualise information and concepts in
richer ways add to the learning effectiveness ?


The Role of the Facilitator

How are the action learning roles of presenter and
facilitator affected by virtual environments ?


Personal Summary and Conclusion

Virtual environments for learning activities are as old as
learning itself and can, used to best effect add real value to
supporting the learner using action learning methodologies

Today’s immersive technologies and virtual environments
create new and innovative opportunities to extend the reach
and effectiveness of action learning but the application of
these technologies to action learning needs to be explored
more fully to address the range of opportunities and
challenges.


Questions


Virtual collaboration technologies for action learning

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