1. 28 th February 2008 Innovations in Online PBL: A Virtual World Case Study Presented by Emily Conradi, e-Projects Manager

2. Virtual Worlds Multi-user virtual worlds – MUVEs Virtual presence – or avatar e.g. OpenSim, ActiveWorlds, Croquet, Second Life ‘...have 3D isometric/third-person graphics, are accessed over the Internet, allow for some dozens of simultaneous users to interact, and represent a persistent virtual world.’ (wikipedia, 2008)

3. Second Life Created by Linden Labs Built and ‘owned’ by residents Free to access Quick and easy to learn Users can chat or use voice tools Strong active educator community Supports and integrates with other technologies

4. Why use SL in education? Immersive and engaging 3D space Contextual Communication Collaboration Learning artefacts Safe environment

5. Examples of Education in SL Dissemination

6. SL Medical Library e.g. Remember Me Alzheimer’s Exhibit on InfoIsland

7. Examples of Education in SL Dissemination Models or displays

8. Genome Island Texas Wesleyan University

9. Examples of Education in SL Dissemination Models or displays Role play

10. SecondHealth http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp8IyXZAv-U

11. Examples of Education in SL Dissemination Models or displays Role play Simulations

12. UC Davis’ Virtual Hallucinations

13. PREVIEW Project Problem-based Learning in Virtual Interactive Educational Worlds

14. Background Problem-based learning courses Students in work placement o At a distance; o Time poor; o Loses collaborative element. Investigate new ways to deliver PBL

15. Virtual Patients

16. From Virtual Patients to Virtual Worlds  Context  Realism  Immersive environment  Collaboration  Student led

17. Aims Deliver PBL in Second Life; Develop eight interactive PBL scenarios; User-guided development and evaluation; Develop guidelines and best-practice on delivering PBL in virtual worlds.

18. Scenario Building

20. Evaluation Key questions: o Does this environment engage? o Do the learners have an identity? o Promote collaboration? o What are the tutors experiences? o What are the ‘costs’ of using SL for this method of teaching?

21. Questions? www.elu.sgul.ac.uk/preview