Monday, October 18, 2010
1:30 PM-5:00 PM
Abstract:
Use of 3D Virtual Collaborative Enviornments such as Second Life, World of Warcraft, and other virtual worlds has resulted in new opportunities for educators to make use of simulations as part part of the learning experience. This tutorial looks at a number of virtual worlds in order to compare and contrast these opportunities by providing live demonstrations of how these worlds are applicable to different teaching situations.
Objectives:
The objective of this tutorial is to provide educators with an understanding of the opportunities and limitiations of incorporating the use of 3D virtual world technologies into their Teaching and training programs. By the end of this tutorial participants should have knowledge of at least 4 different virtual worlds and be able to describe the pros and cons of each environment. In addition, participants should be able to understand the concepts involved in applying principles of using virtual simulations to their learning plans.
Outline:
This tutorial will be broken into five major sections.
1) Introduction to Virtual Worlds: this section will provide an overview of the different types of virtual worlds and background on the history of virtual worlds.
2) Overview of 3D verses Web 2.0 concepts: this section will provide a comparison of the differences and similarities between Web 2.0 and how 3D virtual worlds are both an extension of Web 2.0 and yet at the same time separate and distinct.
3) Use of simulation in education: this section will provide some recent background on research and development currently occuring within the virtual 3D space.
4) Demonstration of simulation in action: This section will provide a demonstration of the use of 4 distinct types of 3D virtual worlds and will show the opportunities and limitations of each. Virtual worlds will include:
a) Second Life
b) World of Warcraft
c) Unity 3D
d) City of Heros
5) Review and Discussion
Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisities for this tutorial. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop which is suitable for engaging in gaming and a sense of adventure. Any individual who could benefit from the use of simulation in the classroom is welcome to attend.
Intended Experience Level:
Beginner
Instructor Qualifications:
Kevin Feenan is the founder of Rockcliffe University Consortium, a 501c3 pending organization that specializes in research and development of knowledge emergence and educational training methods using 3D virtual technologies. Kevin has been conducting research and development into virtual technologies for the past 5 years. Kevin's specialization is in IM/IT, organizational design, and knowledge management.