Journal article
Learning as immersive experiences: Using the four-dimensional framework for designing and evaluating immersive learning experiences in a virtual world
British Journal of Educational Technology, Vol.41(1), pp.69-85
2010
Abstract
Traditional approaches to learning have often focused upon knowledge transfer strategies that have centred on textually-based engagements with learners, and dialogic methods of interaction with tutors. The use of virtual worlds, with text-based, voice-based and a feeling of 'presence' naturally is allowing for more complex social interactions and designed learning experiences and role plays, as well as encouraging learner empowerment through increased interactivity. To unpick these complex social interactions and more interactive designed experiences, this paper considers the use of virtual worlds in relation to structured learning activities for college and lifelong learners. This consideration necessarily has implications upon learning theories adopted and practices taken up, with real implications for tutors and learners alike. Alongside this is the notion of learning as an ongoing set of processes mediated via social interactions and experiential learning circumstances within designed virtual and hybrid spaces. This implies the need for new methodologies for evaluating the efficacy, benefits and challenges of learning in these new ways. Towards this aim, this paper proposes an evaluation methodology for supporting the development of specified learning activities in virtual worlds, based upon inductive methods and augmented by the four-dimensional framework reported in a previous study. The study undertaken aimed to test the efficacy of the proposed evaluation methodology and framework, and to evaluate the broader uses of a virtual world for supporting lifelong learners specifically in their educational choices and career decisions. The paper presents the findings of the study and considers that virtual worlds are reorganising significantly how we relate to the design and delivery of learning. This is opening up a transition in learning predicated upon the notion of learning design through the lens of 'immersive learning experiences' rather than sets of knowledge to be transferred between tutor and learner. The challenges that remain for tutors rest with the design and delivery of these activities and experiences. The approach advocated here builds upon an incremental testing and evaluation of virtual world learning experiences.
Details
- Title
- Learning as immersive experiences: Using the four-dimensional framework for designing and evaluating immersive learning experiences in a virtual world
- Authors/Creators
- S. de Freitas (Author/Creator) - Coventry UniversityG. Rebolledo-Mendez (Author/Creator) - Coventry UniversityF. Liarokapis (Author/Creator) - Coventry UniversityG. Magoulas (Author/Creator) - Birkbeck, University of LondonA. Poulovassilis (Author/Creator) - Birkbeck, University of London
- Publication Details
- British Journal of Educational Technology, Vol.41(1), pp.69-85
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Identifiers
- 991005540899807891
- Copyright
- © 2009 Becta.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Murdoch University
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
Metrics
70 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Citation topics
- 4 Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Computer Science
- 4.284 Human Computer Interaction
- 4.284.1027 Augmented Reality
- Web Of Science research areas
- Education & Educational Research
- ESI research areas
- Social Sciences, general