Bridging 3D and webbased virtual learning environments

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Bridging 3D and web-based virtual learning
environments Daniel Livingstone University of
Paisley
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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

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Learning in 3D MUVEs

• Shared 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

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Teaching in SL My Experience

• Assumed technically proficient students would be
  adept self-starters in MUVE
• 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
• Technical issues
• E.g. permissions on objects
• Learning support in MUVE

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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

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The 3D Classroom

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Sloodle Toolbar


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ChatCast/Bridge


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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

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Progress

• User authentication
• User toolbar
• Classroom tools
• Chat support/logging/messaging
• Glossary
• Drop box
• Check permissions
• log SL submissions on Moodle
• 3D Classroom
• Quiz tool

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Any questions?
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Sloodle Architecture
Web Browser
Moodle Php
HTTP
Second Life
Sloodle Php
LSL Object
Moodle DB
Moodle/Sloodle Web-server