MacICT Collaborative Technologies

Cram, A., Hedberg, J., Lumkin, K. & Eade, J. (2010). Learning through Design and Construction in Multi-User Virtual Environments: Opportunities, Challenges and an Emerging Project. In Proceedings of Global Learn Asia Pacific 2010 (pp. 1185-1194). AACE.Retrieved from http://www.editlib.org/p/34325.

Andrew Cram, John Hedberg, Macquarie University, Australia; Katy Lumkin, Jan Eade, NSW Department of Education and Training, Australia

There are now several implementations of multi-user virtual environments (MUVEs) that have produced evidence of their educational validity. These implementations, however, do not make full use of the educational possibilities offered by MUVEs – namely the potential for students to learn through design and construct of artefacts within the virtual environment. This paper outlines a design-based research project that aims to implement and evaluate a MUVE that focuses on student design and construction of in-world artefacts. The discussion covers theoretical groundings, the challenges of construction and outlines a progression of activities that meet these challenges. An initial pilot study is described and reported.