Virtual World SimulationsActive Learning in 3D

What is a Virtual World?A simulated space shared by multiple users embodied within it

and persistent across time.

Virtual Worlds in EducationActive learning, learn by doing

The learner is responsible for their own education – inquiry based, allows for divergent thinking, multiple perspectives

Exploration and interaction

Practice without real world consequences

Social networking, collaboration, teamwork

Second Life

One of many virtual world, the most mature (http://secondlife.com)

Many academic institutions represented there (http://simteach.com/wiki)

What can you do in Second Life?Walk, fly, talk to people using voice (with headphones or

microphone), text chat and text IMCreate things, own landScript behaviors like animations and gesturesHold events, conduct courses, play games, run simulations

and role-playStream audio and video

Problems with Second LifeHigh system requirements – students may require

accommodation

High learning curve for some – may be difficult for people new to 3D environments

Technical difficulties – lag, ‘crashing’, headphone issues, internet connection issues

Role Play & Simulations for Int’l StudiesModular – can be stand-alone or integrated with an online

course using LMS’s such as Moodle, wikis or just plain websites.

Immersive environments created to fit the role play or simulation

Creates excitement, students explore the new environment

Students don’t feel as much pressure when debating or presenting as an avatar rather than real person. (great for practice for the real thing)

Example: Security Council SimulationSimulation: Crisis in Ethiopia

Created and run entirely by UCF’s Model UN Club students

3 minute video on YouTube

The FuturePolitical science simulations and role-plays in virtual worlds

Embedded in courses taught collaboratively between academic institutions in different regions and other countries.

Interactive simulations and role-playing involving people from all over the world

Thanks to: UCF Model UN students (and roles):

Ross Templeton, Crisis Director, aka Director Delicioso Eduardo Rodriguez, Assistant Director, aka Goodluck Umberunto Monica Weeks, Delegates for USA, Japan Sabrina Stein, Delegates for China, Brazil Anthony Aslou, Delegates for UK, Bosnia Greg McDowall, Delegate for Russia Kelsey Moskowitz, Delegates for France, Austria

Dr. Houman Sadri, UCF Professor of Political Science, Model UN Program Advisor

More thanks to:Ariella Furnish - machinimist (www.alm-productions.net), video

Hurtdidit, LLC – (www.hurtdidit.com) -creators of the UN building and Security Council room in Second Life

Gi Tammas - builder of the avatar orientation and training area

Nicholas Hawthorne, Alexander9 Carver- United Nations Association, Clearwater Beach Island volunteers, logistical support

For more informationContact Naomi Malone at naomi@knights.ucf.edu

Visit United Nations Association Island in Second Life at

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Clearwater%20Beach/156/103/25

(must have a Second Life account and download the client to access the link)