A Richer Blend:Integrating web-based and 3D virtual learning environments

Daniel LivingstoneUniversity of Paisley

Learning Support in VLEs

• Different learning environments provide very different support

• VLEs typically include:– Asynchronous & synchronous

discussion– Document sharing/submissions– Assessments– Ability to integrate learning objects– Management tools/tracking

Affordances of 3D MUVEs

• ‘Presence’– Exploration, discovery (Experiential

Learning)• Synchronous work

– Shared experiences, discussion (Constructivist Learning)

• Second Life (& Open Croquet)– Imagining, developing & sharing own

creations (Constructionist Learning)• Potentially: Distracting, Confusing,

Hard to Navigate

Blended Learning with 3D virtual worlds• Case study: Collaborative Virtual

Environments– Students from Animation/Game

Technology backgrounds– High percentage f-2-f blended learning

delivery (nominally a standard campus based delivery)

– Distance elements: Remote teamwork, guest lectures & tuition, tutorials, some lectures

– Coursework: Blogs, group Wikis, group project in Second Life

Issues

• Assumed technically proficient audience would be adept at self-starting in MUVE environment– Virtual world too open-ended, lacks obvious

goals, rich social & technical environment• Assumed students would develop own

ideas for projects– A lot to take in; Students floundered until more

specific project ideas were suggested• Surprise: Biggest resistance was to blogs• Technical issues• Learning support in MUVE

Sloodle

• Integrate 3D & web based learning environments to provide more effective learning support in 3D virtual worlds– Open Source

• Tools to support reflection, asynchronous communication, assessment, user management

Approaches to integration

• The 3D classroom– Original conception

• UI integration– The Sloodle toolbar

• The Rich 3D Learning Environment– Learning & assessment built into

a rich 3D interactive virtual landscape

The 3D Classroom

Sloodle Toolbar

ChatCast/Bridge

Summary

• Second Life can work well in a blended learning environment– Technical issues; User Acceptance

• Need for external applications to support learning experience– Currently a mix and match collection of

web-technologies

• Sloodle aims to provide integrated support and management features to educators and learners

Sloodle Architecture

MoodleDB

MoodlePhp

SloodlePhp

HTTP

Web Browser

Second Life

LSLObject

Moodle/SloodleWeb-server