Scaffolding learning through the use of virtual worlds

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
File version

Version of Record (VoR)

Author(s)
Campbell, Chris
Cameron, Leanne
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)

Sue Gregory, Mark J. W. Lee, Barney Dalgarno, and Belinda Tynan

Date
2016
Size
File type(s)
Location
Abstract

Virtual worlds are being increasingly used in education, often for their flexibility in facilitating student-directed learning. They offer opportunities for open-ended learning activities, such as simulations, role plays, and design tasks in which students are encouraged to be creative and innovative while taking responsibility for their choices and activities. Within virtual worlds, students are able to collaborate, move and explore, build, and interact with virtual objects and media. As flexibility for self-directed learning increases, the challenge of guiding students’ learning toward the intended outcomes also increases, as does the need to provide appropriate support and guidance (Cram, Lumkin, & Eade, 2010). Some early research suggests that virtual worlds may provide pedagogical advantages for specific learning styles and learner groups, as well as for specific subject areas (Bradshaw, 2006; Roussou, Oliver, & Slater, 2006; Slator et al., 2005; The Schome Cmmunity, 2007). They provide students with the opportunity to collaborate, design, experiment with learning, and use different personas. The studies we describe in this chapter demonstrate that virtual worlds can be employed with students to enhance their learning through the use of well-structured scaffolding.

Journal Title
Conference Title
Book Title

Learning in Virtual Worlds: Research and Applications

Edition
Volume
Issue
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
DOI
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement

© 2016, The Authors. Published by Athabasca University Press. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). It may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes, provided that the original author is credited.

Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Specialist studies in education not elsewhere classified

Persistent link to this record
Citation
Collections