A Richer Blend - Integrating Web and 3D learning environments

Slideshow Transcript

1. Slide 1: A Richer Blend: Integrating web-based and 3D virtual learning environments Daniel Livingstone University of Paisley
2. Slide 2: 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
3. Slide 3: 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
4. Slide 4: 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
5. Slide 6: 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
6. Slide 9: 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
7. Slide 10: 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
8. Slide 11: The 3D Classroom
9. Slide 12: Sloodle Toolbar
10. Slide 13: ChatCast/Bridge
11. Slide 14: 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
12. Slide 15: Sloodle Architecture Web Browser Moodle Php HTTP Second Life Sloodle Php LSL Moodle Object Moodle/Sloodle DB Web-server