Exploring virtual world innovations and design through learner voices

Sue Gregory, Marcus McDonald, Judy O’Connell, Jay Jay Jegathesan, Frederick Stokes-Thompson, Jenny Sim, Merle Hearns, Brent Gregory, Sasha Nikolic, Des Butler, Naomi McGrath, Suku Sukunesan, Stefan Schutt, Leah Irving, Scott Grant, Helen Farley, Lisa Jacka, Amit Rudra, Jason Zagami, Belma Gaukrodger

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Student voice has played a big role in shaping the development and measure of success/failure of virtual worlds in education. Data on past and ongoing educational uses and contexts of use of virtual worlds and associated student feedback was gathered via a survey of educational researchers specialising in virtual worlds. Introduced are a range of specific uses that provide the source of and context for student feedback. Ten major themes emerged from student voices that highlight strengths and weakness and point the way forward for both educators and the students themselves. Positive feedback highlighted experiences of both pedagogical design and the ability of the technology to support it. Negative feedback revolved around technical problems, seen as hampering the effectiveness of student learning experiences. Student voice regarding virtual worlds is both positive and rewarding, and commending of staff who have dedicated their time and effort to transform the learning experience.

Original languageEnglish
Pages245-254
Number of pages10
Publication statusPublished - 2016
EventAnnual Conference of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education 2016 - University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
Duration: 27 Nov 201630 Nov 2016
Conference number: 33rd
http://2016conference.ascilite.org/ (Conference website)
http://2016conference.ascilite.org/wp-content/uploads/ASCILITE-2016-full-proceedings-Updated-1512.pdf (Conference Proceedings)

Conference

ConferenceAnnual Conference of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education 2016
Abbreviated titleASCILITE 2016
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityAdelaide
Period27/11/1630/11/16
Other33rd International Conference of Innovation, Practice and Research in the Use of Educational Technologies in Tertiary Education
Internet address

Keywords

  • Learning design
  • Lifelong learning
  • Second life
  • Student voice
  • Virtual worlds

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