Virtual Worlds in Education Educational Psychology Computing Science Dr Patricia Boechler Erik deJong Jeff Klassen Dr Mike Carbonaro Wayne Thomas Corbett Artym Dr Eleni Stroulia Matthew Delaney

Creating a Virtual Campus in OpenSim Issues, Obstacles, and Successes

THE DEVELOPMENT PHASE

The Development Phase Based on five key tasks 4 Interiors were represented Roughly 1500m 2 of outdoor space represented

1 to 1 Scale Virtual Campus should accurately represent the real world Campus with as much detail as possible

ISSUES AND OBSTACLES

Importing 3D Models

Scaling the Collada/Mesh Models

Overloading the server In February 2012, we piloted the environment with 60 current students in groups of 20

Crossing regions: losing control

Voice server set-up

User Account/Avatar set-up

Selecting an appropriate viewer

Quick Live Tour

RUNNING THE TOUR SESSIONS

Tour Sessions 5 Sessions Students were taken on a 1.5 hour tour Experienced student tour guides Veterans of real world orientation

Sample Video

STUDENT RESPONSES

Post-Tour Survey Survey given to participants following the tour Questions regarding: Usability of Virtual Campus Information and Content Satisfaction with tour Expectations of visit to UofA after tour

I felt the virtual campus was a place I visited rather than something I was looking at. I had the sense of being in the same space as my fellow students. Having a 3D physical representation of myself in the virtual world contributed to my on-line experience over other types of on-line environments. (eg. , chat) Having a 3D physical representation of other students in the virtual world contributed to my on-line experience over other types of on-line environments.

I felt like I was listening to/addressing the other students in the virtual world. I felt like I was listening to/addressing the facilitators in the virtual world. It was easy to use the voice chat feature.It was easy to use the text chat feature.

The virtual world download instructions were clear. The virtual world download process was trouble free. I struggled with the virtual world download process. The virtual world download process was too long.

I would recommend to a new student to sign up for the virtual orientation sessions. The virtual orientation session has increased my confidence about attending the University of Alberta. I now have a good sense of the layout of the campus. After the virtual tour, I feel I will be able to find my way around campus when I arrive.