D. I. Y. Build BlueprintsFor Creating Engaging & Effective Virtual World Learning Simulations

by Kay McLennan, Ph.D.Professor of Practice

Tulane University

© Kay McLennan, 2013

Presentation Overview• Student Preferences for Simulation Types & Features

• How to Adapt Virtual World Builds to Student Preferences

• Elements in a Scenario Game – Data Detectives Game Case Study

• D.I.Y. Approach and Content Sources

• Q. & A. Period

Background: The OpenSim AdvantageMove to OpenSim in 2010

Markedly Increased Voluntary Participation Rates(from 10% to 33%, with spikes to over 50%)

2010 2013

The OpenSim Advantages include:

• Pre-Created Avatars

• Pre-Stocked Avatar Inventories

• Pre-Positioned Avatars

• No X-Rated Warnings Needed

• More Space for More Simulations

• OAR/IAR Files = More Flexibility

Student Preferences…… for Virtual World Learning Simulations

It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data.

- Sherlock Holmes in "A Scandal in Bohemia" by Arthur Conan Doyle

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Top Student Pick My Top Pick © Kay McLennan, 2013

Virtual World for Education Basics Checklist

• Asynchronous Learning: • [Non Novices] Real Time Sessions Too: • Need for Expansive Builds: • [Novices] Should NOT be Mandatory: • [Non Novices] SHOULD Be Mandatory:

Quantifying Engagement*

*Only students that self-select themselves for online and virtual world learning were surveyed.

Likert Agreement Scale

5.0 = Strongly Agree;4.0 = Agree

3.0 = Neither Agree or Disagree2.0 = Disagree

1.0 = Strongly Disagree

More Student Feedback

• I think it is an awesome addition. I love the idea of real time discussions.

• This is my second experience in the virtual world and I think it should be offered in every class. It makes the class more interesting.

• …The virtual world presentations were more interesting and caused me to "want" to read and learn. I found myself wandering into other buildings [not related to my class] where I discovered and learned [from different course simulations].

• Keeping studies interesting is a factor that will lead to a higher success rate. I see this evolving into something great for education at Tulane and more.

Interactivity, Engagement, and Increased Learning

by Instructional Delivery Method

*Learner = Self-selecting virtual world participant non traditional (28 years old on average) students.

Correlation coefficient values between 0 and 0.3 (or 0 and -0.3) indicate a weak positive (or negative) relationship. Correlation coefficient values between 0.3 and 0.7 (or -0.3 and -0.7) indicate a moderate positive (or negative) relationship. Correlation coefficient values between 0.7 and 1.0 (or -0.7 and -1.0)

indicate a strong positive (or negative) relationship.

Correlation Coefficients

Resource Materials Highly Rated

© Kay McLennan, 2013

Relevant Biographies Highly Rated

© Kay McLennan, 2013

Relevant to Students Highly Rated

© Kay McLennan, 2013

Build & Game Features… …to Address Student Preferences

Case Study: Data Detectives Game

• [Once in-world] “What do I do now?”

• “How do I find my way around?”

• Need for Resource Materials

• Need for Asynchronous & Real Time

• Need for Expansive

Builds

Build Feature: Student Handbook

© Kay McLennan, 2013

Build Feature: Museum-Inspired Movement Path

© Kay McLennan, 2013

Build Feature: Integrated New User Tutorials

Build Feature: Learning Objectives + Benchmarking

Build Feature: Resource Tutorial Stations

Definitions + Examples + Rules

Build Feature: Scenario-Based Game

© Kay McLennan, 2013

© Kay McLennan, 2013

Game Feature: Narrative

© Kay McLennan, 2013

Game Feature: Clue Note Cards

© Kay McLennan, 2013

Game Feature: Clue Scene Examples

#1

#2

#3

Game Feature: Build Clue Blocks

© Kay McLennan, 2013

Game Feature: Clue Analysis Center

© Kay McLennan, 2013

Game Feature: [Real Time] Post Game Wrap-Up

© Kay McLennan, 2013

Game Feature: Dual Instructor Controls

To monitor, speed up, and/or equalize play.

D. I. Y. Approach

D. I. Y. – Why and How…

1. Platform – Self-Hosting or Hosted

2. Estate/Region/Grid Management

3. Creation of Physical Space(s)

4. Creation of Builds & Learning Materials

D. I. Y. Region/Grid Management

D. I. Y. Physical Spaces

D. I. Y. ContentWright Plaza

Malediv IsleVbinna’s Emporium

on Steam

Wrap-Up: “Two Enthusiastic Thumbs Up!”

• OpenSim Advantages

• Student Advantages – Increased

Engagement & Deep Learning

• D. I. Y. Advantages

• Instructor Advantages