From Multi-User Virtual Environment to 3D Virtual Learning Environment

Notes on a paper by Daniel Livingstone (University of the West of Scotland), Jeremy Kemp, Edmund Edgar

Cloud created by:

Juliette Culver
16 January 2009

This paper discusses immersive virtual worlds (IVWs) and in particular the use of Sloodle, an integration of Moodle with Second Life.

Background

Provides a very brief history of online multi-user virtual worlds
Cites work about the support IVW for e-learning
Discusses the River City Project and Quest Atlantis on the Active Worlds platform.
The former addes a guide, notebook, map and tools to the space for studnets. Cites work by Laurillard about the use of built-in guides and notebooks for structure notetaking to support the use of CD-ROM e-learning resources. Not much information is given about Quest Atlantis.

Sloodle

The main part of the paper is about Sloodle an integration of Second Life with Moodle.
Originally conceived as 3D 'Virtual Classroom' to allow access to a Moodle course in 3D form.
Discussion about the technical architecture and issues.
Further extensions to Sloodle since e.g. Sloodle toolbar and new Moodle assignment type and associated SL object
Some features aimed at supporting class and learning management (e.g. recording attendance), others at supporting the learning process itself (e.g. availablity of chat sessions for review)
Used online survey to help gauge demand and refine Sloodle requirements. Also got feedback from online project meetings and online forums.
More detailed online survey about requirements in late 2007 - 155 people completed.
Following survey work on Sloodle collaborative whiteboard began
Formal pilot in first few months of 2008 with dedicated course at Sloodle.org. Discussion of early feedback.
Used for Korean students learning English - linked students to those in another country. Significant advantage was ability for student to review discussions later
Response indicates real demand
Issue of permissions in Moodle - how do these translate to a public space?
Integration rather than discrete and separate tools worthwhile