ERIC Number: EJ1065585
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Feb
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1913-9020
EISSN: N/A
Learning in the Virtual World: The Pedagogical Potentials of Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games
Yu, Tao Wang
International Education Studies, v2 n1 p32-38 Feb 2009
A much more attractive way to use the internet was discovered. Users are represented by avatars in the fantasy persistent 3D world, and the avatars apparently come to occupy a special place in the hearts of their creators (Castronova, 2001). At present, millions of people worldwide have accounts to some kind of virtual environments. Virtual world may soon become the primary venue for all online activities (Castronova, 2001) including learning. Imagine that one can gain knowledge and skills by social interactions in virtual worlds. A massively multi-student online learning environment (MMOLE) is a pedagogically designed space where students would spend much time learning online by doing and interacting with others. Furthermore, massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) or massively multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPGs) allow individuals, through their avatars, to learn in the service of games goals and through problem solving and collaboration. This article aims at exploring the pedagogical potentials of virtual worlds. The strengths and weaknesses will be outlined and some of the issues will be discussed through case studies. Hopefully, lessons can be learned and the future virtual worlds can become a more powerful and effective environment to engage students in learning.
Descriptors: Internet, Educational Technology, Computer Games, Technology Uses in Education, Simulated Environment, Role Playing, Skill Development, Problem Solving, Cooperation, Teaching Methods
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A