Created By Tawana Stiff EDUC Instructor: Dr. Amar Almasude Presentation for A Professional Distance Education Conference

In this presentation, we will address the following…  What virtual worlds are, how they work, and the origin  Common uses and authentic applications for virtual worlds  Components of virtual worlds that can be utilized in conjunction with today’s best educational practices  The impact that educational technology has on virtual worlds and vice versa  The benefits versus barriers of virtual worlds

What is a virtual world? How does a virtual world work? How did virtual worlds come to fruition? Personalized Avatars complete tasks for rewards A world at your fingertips… Cinematographers sought to stimulate the senses and make people experience different places without leaving the room

Virtual Worlds inspire students to tackle educational endeavors to earn rewards. I can reach my reward if I keep trying

EntertainmentEducation Multi-Player or Single-Player Gaming, Role-Play, Fantasy Play, Socio- Dramatic Play Professional Development, Subject-Based Activities Virtual Tours/ Fieldtrips

International Conferences Online Training/Tutorials Cooperative Environments Gaming Authentic Problem Solving

 Club Penguin enables users to customize clothing and emoticons to construct and express identity (via avatar) within a social system, use environmental hints and resources to access information that will aid in the completion of quest.  Press Play to view this popular virtual world for kids.

 -Second Life enables users to attend virtual conferences and interact with attendees in other parts of the world. Individuals who attend these virtual conferences can then serve as conduits to the rest of their colleagues who were not in attendance. Real life networking and alliances can be forged through these online interactions.  Press Play to view this virtual conference

 Educational Technology Virtual Worlds

Advantages - Addresses diverse motivational needs - Incentive Based Experiences - Social Networking provides a sense of belonging - Authentic Learning Experiences - Interactive learning - Dynamic experiences allow learners to construct knowledge - Allows parental/teacher monitoring Disadvantages - Unclear findings regarding the adverse effects of undesired outcomes - Limited accessibility due to technology requirements - Web-based programs are not always operated with fidelity - Susceptible to security breach or exploitation in unsecured sites (e.g., computer viruses)

 How do you convince students to persevere if they keep running into a brick wall? Success is on the other side…I think???