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Publication
The use of virtual environments as an extended classroom – A case study with adult learners in tertiary education
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
This study was conducted in immersive 3D virtual environment Second Life®, with the support of web 2.0 tools as a complement to physical classroom - extended classroom. It was assumed that socialization is a key factor for collaborative learning and knowledge construction. The study aims to identify the variables that may influence knowledge sharing in learning contexts using virtual environments; with the aim of contributing to the improvement of learning situations using the online tools. This research is exploratory in nature and falls within the field of phenomenological studies. The study was implemented in a tertiary education institution involving regular and adult learners. We conclude that in virtual environments learners tend to feel more confident, open, participatory, creative, understanding and seem to participate in training sessions because they are indeed interested in learning. On the other hand, the possibility of providing online tutorial session allows reaching a larger number of learners. These online sessions can be established in a time and place (virtual) free of constraints and can be tailored, allowing a more effective participation from learners.
Description
Keywords
virtual environments extended classroom adult learners Second Life tertiary education b-learning
Citation
Ana Loureiro, Teresa Bettencourt, The Use of Virtual Environments as an Extended Classroom – A Case Study with Adult Learners in Tertiary Education, Procedia Technology, Volume 13, 2014, Pages 97-106, ISSN 2212-0173, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.protcy.2014.02.013.
Publisher
Elsevier