ERIC Number: EJ986136
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Dec
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0360-1315
EISSN: N/A
Studying the Effectiveness of Multi-User Immersive Environments for Collaborative Evaluation Tasks
Lorenzo, Carlos-Miguel; Sicilia, Miguel Angel; Sanchez, Salvador
Computers & Education, v59 n4 p1361-1376 Dec 2012
Massively Multiuser On-line Learning (MMOL) Platforms, often called "virtual learning worlds", constitute a still unexplored context for communication-enhanced learning, where synchronous communication skills in an explicit social setting enhance the potential of effective collaboration. In this paper, we report on an experimental study of collaborative evaluation in an MMOL setting with 21 graduate students enrolled in university courses in technology-mediated teaching and learning. This study was carried out using a prototype of a 3D MMOL platform built around an interactive space called "MadriPolis". This space was used to recreate an adequate scenario for a collaborative experience about Learning Object evaluation using the mainstream Learning Object Review Instrument (LORI), which is based on a Convergent Participation Model (CPM). The same experience was carried out using a conventional LCMS (Learning Content Management System) platform with the aim of contrasting the outcomes and interaction patterns in the two settings. This study makes use of Social Network Analysis (SNA) measures to describe the interactions between tutors and learners. By dwelling on the advantages of immersive environments, SNA indexes revealed that these interactions were rather dense and that student participation was rather broad-based in the case of the MMOL. The results suggest that MMOL platforms could be used in collaborative evaluation tasks as a means to enhance both tutor interaction patterns and the strength of the group's relationship. (Contains 15 figures and 5 tables.)
Descriptors: Educational Technology, Evaluation Methods, Student Participation, Interaction, Communication Skills, Graduate Students, Network Analysis, Vignettes, Teacher Student Relationship, Group Dynamics, Classroom Communication, Electronic Learning, Distance Education, Computer Simulation, Simulated Environment, Web Based Instruction, Virtual Classrooms, Computer Mediated Communication, College Instruction, College Faculty, Instructional Effectiveness, Comparative Analysis, Synchronous Communication, Social Networks, Computer Software Evaluation, Integrated Learning Systems
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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