virtual+environments

Virtual Environments

__**What is it (Definition)?**__
A virtual environment is a " computer-generated, three dimensional representation of a setting in which the user of the technology perceives themselves to be and within which interaction takes place" (Dictionary.com, 2007)

__**Attributes/Features**__
Features of a virtual world learning environment
 * Avatars
 * 3D objects
 * A landscape
 * Communication tools via text chat or voice

Cynthia M. Calongne in her article "Educational Frontiers: Learning in a Virtual World" outlines features that she believes a Virtual World Learning experiences should contain:


 * //"Self:// Customizing the avatar
 * //Exploration:// Moving around the world
 * //Communication:// Sharing information with others
 * //Navigation:// Looking at 3D content
 * //Interaction:// Using 3D objects
 * //Creation:// Designing a class project
 * //Delivery:// Giving the projects to the instructor
 * //Assessment:// Evaluating Second Life projects
 * //Feedback:// Compiling progress and performance reports" (Calongne, 2008).

__**Advantages**__

 * Students are able to virtually participate in activities and go places they would not be able visit with in the confines of a classroom.
 * Virtual environments can boost language skills.
 * Students find virtual worlds fun and engaging.
 * In virtual worlds, students can interact, collect data, explore real world problems in a location where they would not have the ability to travel to in the real world
 * One example of an advantage was very interesting - pond study research in a virtual world would allow a student to explore the effects of changes before and after. In the real world, one cannot easily drain a pond, for instance.

__**Disadvantages**__

 * Students may become socially withdrawn if all their socialization occurs through technology instead of in person.
 * Students will have to get adjusted to using the virtual world. They will have to learn how to move around, talk, message etc. This can be overwhelming for students at first.
 * The environment may be distracting and get in the way of learning.
 * The learning curve of the technology can be a barrier. This is one often-reported complaint of the use of Second Life in learning.
 * Creating a virtual world environment experience is time, technology and skill-intensive.

__**Applications to the Classroom**__

 * Distance learning
 * Collaboration between classrooms
 * Can be used for teaching foreign languages or great for ESL learners.

This video explains the following applications for the classroom: media type="youtube" key="eNjV8Fvre4U" height="349" width="560"
 * Guided Tour
 * Scavenger Hunt
 * Group Forum
 * Conceptual Orienteering
 * Operational Application- Simulation
 * Role Play
 * Critical Incident
 * Break Out Sessions
 * Social Networking
 * Data Visualization

__**Individual Knowledge**__
Certain virtual world activities would lend themselves more to individual knowledge building. For example, students could go on a guided tour or a scavenger hunt by themselves.

__**Group Knowledge**__
Many experiences in a virtual world can lead to group knowledge building. For example role playing or break out sessions will allow students to share ideas, collaborate and learn from one another.

__**Links to Examples**__
Sloodle is a combination of Second Life and Moodle: []

media type="youtube" key="g1yFsdTQCro" height="349" width="425"

Eduism:[| http://edusim3d.com/]

media type="youtube" key="uVFsxev-2sk" height="349" width="425" Umgumbo: []

media type="youtube" key="lTTZDJ0x_oE" height="349" width="560"

Mingoville: []

media type="youtube" key="ndqZWoCRLNs" height="349" width="425"

Whyville: []

media type="youtube" key="bI_Lzc9AFU4" height="349" width="425"

Jumpstart: [] media type="youtube" key="MkcHlWhGI7I" height="349" width="425"

YouTube Video of how "Second Life" could apply to education. Link to Second Life [] media type="youtube" key="TMGR9q43dag?version=3" height="390" width="640"

__References__
Calongne, C.M. (Sept/Oct. 2008) Educational frontiers: learning in a virtual world. //EDUCAUSE Review,// vol. 43, no. 5. Retrieved July 07, 2011 from [|http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Review/EDUCAUSEReviewMagazineVolume43/EducationalFrontiersLearningin/16316]

Stapleton, G. (2011) New world learning teaching and learning in virtual environments. Retrived July 07, 2011 from []

virtual environment. (n.d.). //Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon//. Retrieved July 07, 2011, from Dictionary.com website: [|http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/virtual environment]

Virtual Environments Info Group. (2007). Virtual environments info. Retrived July 07, 2011 from []

Virtural learning environment wikipedia page. Retrieved July 07, 2011 from []

Virtual world wikipedia page. Retrieved July 07, 2011 from []

Wright, T. (2008 Sept 17). "Second life as virtual learning environment". Retrieved July 07, 2011 from []