Teacher training in the use of a three-dimensional immersive virtual world: Building understanding through first-hand experiences

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Authors
Author (Corporation)
Publication date
06/2014
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Type
01A - Journal article
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Parent work
Journal of Teaching and Learning with Technology
Special issue
DOI of the original publication
Series
Series number
Volume
3
Issue / Number
1
Pages / Duration
33-58
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Publisher / Publishing institution
Indiana University Press
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Abstract
This study offers recommendations and a model for other teacher educators who are interested in training teachers in the use of three-dimensional (3D) immersive virtual worlds (IVWs) for their own teaching. Twelve special education teachers collaboratively explored the usability of Second Life (SL) for special education by completing a full inquiry cycle to develop the ability to make informed decisions about the affordances and challenges of virtual world teaching and to help identify effective components for virtual worlds teacher training. Ten educational SL islands were explored critically. Mixed-methods data analysis and triangulation were based on the analysis and synthesis of a preliminary survey, a mid-reflection after several virtual explorations, the collaborative analysis of an existing SL lesson plan, the collaborative development of a SL lesson plan, a post-reflection, and a post-survey. Several key benefits of 3D IVWs for special education students emerged from the qualitative analyses, namely social skills practice, collaborative learning towards a joint goal with a competitive element, and increased motivation to participate, especially for topics that would otherwise be perceived as boring. The qualitative data informed the development of guidelines for virtual worlds teacher training and the elements of an ideal SL island designed for special education. The change of attitude towards the usability of virtual worlds in education as a result of the workshop was not statistically significant.
Keywords
three-dimensional immersive virtual worlds, Second Life, special education, teacher training
Subject (DDC)
370 - Erziehung, Schul- und Bildungswesen
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ISBN
ISSN
2165-2554
Language
English
Created during FHNW affiliation
No
Strategic action fields FHNW
Publication status
Published
Review
Peer review of the complete publication
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License
Citation
OH, Kevin und Natalie NUSSLI, 2014. Teacher training in the use of a three-dimensional immersive virtual world: Building understanding through first-hand experiences. Journal of Teaching and Learning with Technology. Juni 2014. Bd. 3, Nr. 1, S. 33–58. Verfügbar unter: http://hdl.handle.net/11654/23788