ERIC Number: EJ1043322
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014-Jul
Pages: 32
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1055-8896
EISSN: N/A
Collaborative Science Learning in Three-Dimensional Immersive Virtual Worlds: Pre-Service Teachers' Experiences in Second Life
Nussli, Natalie; Oh, Kevin; McCandless, Kevin
Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia, v23 n3 p253-284 Jul 2014
The purpose of this mixed methods study was to help pre-service teachers experience and evaluate the potential of Second Life, a three-dimensional immersive virtual environment, for potential integration into their future teaching. By completing collaborative assignments in Second Life, nineteen pre-service general education teachers explored an educational, marine biology island in Second Life and evaluated its potential for incorporation in general and special education curricula. A pre- and post-survey inquired about the participants' perception of the usability of virtual worlds for education. Participants collaboratively explored the marine ecosystem of the Abyss Observatory (Nishimura, Lim, & Koyamada, 2012), reflected on its unique affordances, and designed activities for an inclusive classroom, framed by a pedagogical rationale. The difference between the participants' two attitude scores generated by the pre- and post-survey was calculated and was found to be statistically significant with a moderate effect size. Results suggest that the workshop had a positive impact on the participants' attitude towards integration of Second Life into teaching. Five themes emerged from the journals with regards to the unique affordances of the deep-sea area. Finally, the "Teacher-prep Virtual World Six Step Model" for effective pre-service teacher preparation for teaching in Second Life was developed.
Descriptors: Preservice Teachers, Cooperative Learning, Science Education, Electronic Learning, Simulated Environment, Virtual Classrooms, Computer Simulation, Mixed Methods Research, Assignments, Teacher Surveys, Teacher Attitudes, Usability, Pretests Posttests, Scores, Statistical Significance, Effect Size, Workshops, Technology Integration, Preservice Teacher Education, Attitude Measures, Likert Scales
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education. P.O. Box 1545, Chesapeake, VA 23327. Tel: 757-366-5606; Fax: 703-997-8760; e-mail: info@aace.org; Web site: http://www.aace.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A