28th February 2008

Innovations in Online PBL: A Virtual World

Case Study

Presented by

Emily Conradi, e-Projects Manager

Virtual Worlds

• Multi-user virtual worlds – MUVEs

• Virtual presence – or avatar

e.g. OpenSim, ActiveWorlds, Croquet,

Second Life

‘. . .have 3D isometric/third-person graphics, are accessed over the Internet, allow for some dozens of simultaneous users to interact, and represent a persistent virtual world.’ (wikipedia, 2008)

Second Life

• Created by Linden Labs• Built and ‘owned’ by residents• Free to access• Quick and easy to learn• Users can chat or use voice tools• Strong active educator community• Supports and integrates with other technologies

Why use SL in education?

• Immersive and engaging• 3D space• Contextual• Communication• Collaboration• Learning artefacts• Safe environment

Examples of Education in SL

• Dissemination

SL Medical Library

e.g. Remember MeAlzheimer’s Exhibit on InfoIsland

Examples of Education in SL

• Dissemination• Models or displays

Genome IslandTexas Wesleyan University

Examples of Education in SL

• Dissemination• Models or displays• Role play

SecondHealth

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp8IyXZAv-U

Examples of Education in SL

• Dissemination• Models or displays• Role play• Simulations

UC Davis’ Virtual Hallucinations

PREVIEW ProjectProblem-based Learning in Virtual Interactive Educational Worlds

Background

• Problem-based learning courses• Students in work placemento At a distance;o Time poor;o Loses collaborative element.

• Investigate new ways to deliver PBL

Virtual Patients

From Virtual Patients to Virtual Worlds

Context Realism Immersive environment Collaboration Student led

Aims

• Deliver PBL in Second Life;• Develop eight interactive PBL scenarios;• User-guided development and evaluation;• Develop guidelines and best-practice on delivering

PBL in virtual worlds.

Scenario Building

Evaluation

• Key questions:o Does this environment engage?o Do the learners have an identity?o Promote collaboration?o What are the tutors experiences?o What are the ‘costs’ of using SL for this method of

teaching?

Questions?

www.elu.sgul.ac.uk/preview